“We expect to start next month after building materials arrive from New Zealand and the United States. In the meantime, preliminary works are being carried out in preparation,” he said.

The core houses will consist of one room, 3.6m x 4.8m with a separate bathroom facility, a septic tank and each installed with a 3000 litre water tank.

He said the project rebuilds homes that were completely destroyed or severely damaged by the cyclone. “We hope the construction will be completed by January or February next year.”

In July, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano, Elder 'Aisake Tukuafu and Howard for the humanitarian partnership.

The money to support the project comes from the Latter-day Saints humanitarian fund made up of contributions from church members from around the world.