Facelift for Tonga Post building [1]
Friday, June 13, 2014 - 17:04. Updated on Friday, June 13, 2014 - 17:11.
Photos by Linny Folau
A newly renvated Tonga Post Building in central Nuku'alofa was opened by the Prime Minister Lord Tu’ivakano on Thursday, June 12.
Hon Fe’ao Vakata the Minister for Public Enterprises said the building is fully occupied by tenants, including a coffee shop, Fast Print, TCC Ucall Shop, Sports World Leiola, with the Ministry of Public Enterprise situated on the top floor.
He said Tonga Post Ltd in recent years was running at a loss, mainly due to the rapid growth of the internet and subsequent use of email and social media, which called for a rethink at how to turn Tonga Post around to ensure it was profitable again.
Tonga Post had since acquired Tonga Print Ltd another public enterprise that was in financial trouble, supported by the PM and cabinet, he said.
"As a result of restructuring this financial year will be the first time Tonga Post will make a profit in a very long time. It is unusual but we managed to merge the two that were operating at a loss to end up making profit and that is what we are celebrating today.”
In July, the second phase of establishing a food court on the north side of the building facing Westpac Bank, to supplement its income and ensure Tonga Post's viability to provide its services to the people, he said.
Earlier in March this year, a new mail sorting and parcel services centre was opened to house both the Tonga Print Ltd. and the Tonga Post Ltd at Vaololoa.
This event was attended by Cabinet Ministers, the Speaker of Parliament Lord Fakafanua, Executive Chairman Tapu Panuve with the Australian High Commissioner HE Brett Aldam and the Japanese Ambassador HE Dr Kazuchika Hamuro.