New domestic wharf to open in February [1]
Tuesday, January 16, 2018 - 20:11. Updated on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 - 20:13.
The Nuku'alofa waterfront has a new look as a major $66 million pa'anga upgrade of the domestic wharf nears completion for commissioningin February. The project was funded under Japan's grant-aid to Tonga.
King Tupou VI is expected to commission the wharf, which he has named "Taufa’ahau Tupou IV Domestic Terminal".
The new wharf has three ship berthing areas, one of 135m and two of 90m; with a 120m turning basin, and 250m breakwater wall.
The passenger terminal building will be partly powered by a solar panel installed on the roof. The entrances and passageways have gentle slopes. There is also a 225 tonne underground tank rainwater reservoir and parking.
The project funded as a part of Japan's grant aid is aimed to help better connect the island groups of Tonga.
The construction started after a groundbreaking ceremony in April last year with TOA Corporation, a Japanese construction group doing the work.