A new boat for the people on the small island of ‘Eueiki situated some 20km from Nuku’alofa was gifted by the Government of Japan on Wednesday, 9 March.

The Japanese Ambassador to Tonga, HE Mr Yukio Numata, handed over the 26ft boat, equipment and also a slipway funded with $92,547 pa’anga to the people on the island.

The Ambassador who was happily welcomed by some of the 107 residents, said this event holds a special significance for them because it will safeguard the lives of people on the island by gifting them a boat.

He said the boat comes with safety equipment and a slipway to attain a more reliable mode of transportation to Tongatapu.

“By investing in a collective and safer mode of transportation, we invest not only in human resources but also in safeguarding the future," he said.

‘Eueiki did not have the ease and reassurance of public transportation to and from the main island Tongatapu until today.

Town officer Sinipata Muli thanked Japan for the generous assistance that will make their transportation easier from their island to Nuku’alofa.

He said normally they come on small private fishing boats and get off at the village of Afa on the eastern side of Tongatapu because it’s closer. Now, with the new boat, people on the island will come directly to the domestic wharf in Nuku’alofa.

The grant was provided under Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects.