More than half a million pa’anga was committed by the Government of Japan to fund the upgrade of classrooms and a water supply system in Tongatapu on Thursday, 3 March.

Japanese Ambassador HE Mr Yukio Numata signed the grant contract with recipients that will see the upgrade of Maamaloa Kindergarten in Vaololoa, as well as the upgrade of Veitongo Government Primary School and upgrade of the water supply system at Navutoka in Tongatapu.

The Ambassador said the grant contract serves as a blueprint of hope for a more vibrant community, strengthened economy and improved standard of living for the people of Tonga.

“Providing a positive, healthy and secure environment will help build the character and improve the level of comfort for our children and communities, which is also a key factor in economic process,” he said.

The grant was provided through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).