The Government of Japan has committed over $600,000 pa'anga to fund four community projects that will upgrade water supplies and classrooms in Tongatapu and Ha’apai.

The Japanese Ambassador to Tonga HE Mr Yukio Numata signed the contracts with recipients on Thursday, 17 December in Nuku’alofa.

The grant projects include the upgrading of water supply systems for Nukuleka and Puke villages and a classroom in Ha’ateiho, in Tongatapu, as well as the construction of a multipurpose training centre for the people in Lofanga on the outer island of Ha’apai.

The Ambassador said the projects recognised socio-economic constraints that create vulnerability for people in Tonga. The Japanese Government encouraged the necessary steps towards sustainable socio-economic development.

"What we are witnessing today is part of your devoted efforts to guarantee our children’s rights to access safe water sources, education and human security," he said.

Sitiveni Fe’ao the Town Officer for the village of Nukuleka thanked Japan on behalf of the recipients for the financial assistance to develop their communities.

“...I urge people to work together with their community leaders and stakeholders to ensure that the projects meet the objectives and become a success,” he said.

The assistance provided under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) is aimed at improving people's  access to basic human needs at the grassroots level.