Equipment worth $3.6 million pa’anga to assist Tonga's development efforts and improve disaster preparedness was handed over from Japan today, June 2, in Nuku'alofa.

Japan's Ambassador HE Mr Yukio Numata presented the equipment to the Acting Prime Minister Hon Siaosi Sovaleni at the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) warehouse.

The Ambassador hoped this scheme would assist Tonga’s economic and social challenges by providing unique, efficient and user-friendly technologies from Japan.

“I am confident that our combined efforts are stepping stones for the improvement of people’s lives and alleviation of hardships in the Kingdom,” he said.

Sovaleni in acknowledging the assistance said this demonstrated Japan was not only a developing partner but a good friend.

The equipment, including 200 tents, two desalination machines with four pumping machines and 2000 poly tanks, was provided through Japan’s Non-Project grant aid for small and medium size enterprises.

The provision of the equipment was formalised in February last year after Cyclone Ian devastated Ha’apai.