New climate resilient school buildings, that have been rebuilt and refurbished in Ha’apai after being badly damaged by Tropical Cyclone Ian in 2014, were handed over to the Tonga government last week on 26 February.

Twelve primary schools were reconstructed and refurbished, ten of which were co-financed with millions provided by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the New Zealand Government by the end of last year.

Meanwhile, the reconstruction of Ha’apai High School is still underway and classrooms were refurbished before the start of the school year with remaining works to be completed by June, the ADB said in a statement.

Prime Minister Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva said the Tongan Government values it’s relationship with ADB and the New Zealand Government.

“We appreciate your support for rebuilding more climate resilient primary and high school facilities in Ha’apai. As you know, Tonga has one of the world’s highest exposures to natural disasters so it is vital that our schools are climate proofed,” he said.

ADB Vice-President Stephen P. Groff said ADB provided US$4.5 million towards the reconstruction of the schools and restoration of the entire electricity network on Lifuka and Foa.

He said the schools on the outer islands of Ha’apai have been built back better, to become more resilient to extreme weather and the effects of climate change such as Tropical Cyclone Winston, which passed through recently.

“This project is helping Tonga to improve the delivery of education services in Ha’apai,” he said.

NZ High Commissioner HE Sarah Walsh said New Zealand was always ready to assist Tonga, a friend and neighbour.

She said in the immediate aftermath of TC Ian, NZ committed US$6.3 million (NZ$7.4 million) to help with the damage assessment, relief supplies, restoration of the electricity network and longer-term reconstruction efforts.

“We are pleased to work with ADB on the reconstruction of badly damaged schools given their expertise in implementing climate resilient infrastructure project,” she said.

Power

ADB had also helped restore power to 1,000 households and over 45km of power lines under a project that also upgraded Ha’apai’s main power network making it more resilient to extreme weather events to ensure future delivery of reliable power supply.

In recent years, ADB has significantly increased its support for Tonga. Since 2008, it has committed over US$70 million, more than in the entire period since Tonga joined ADB in 1972, with most of the financing on grant terms.