New Taufa’ahau Tupou IV Wharf expected to boost cargo and passenger traffic [1]
Friday, June 1, 2018 - 17:35. Updated on Friday, June 1, 2018 - 17:38.
Photos by Linny Folau, Pesi Fonua and Peter Poulsen
A new modern domestic wharf and terminal named Taufa’ahau Tupou IV Wharf was commissioned by King Tupou VI this morning, Friday, June 1.
Funded with over $60 million pa’anga by the Government of Japan, this project is its biggest grant aid to Tonga to date.
The Japanese Ambassador HE Mr Tetsuya Ishii said this project would contribute significantly to Tonga’s aim to improve its domestic ferry capacity. The new facility would secure passengers and cargo flows and ensure their safety, comfort and speediness.The domestic ferry terminal has a spacious hall, to accommodate over 400 passengers, a barrier-free slope, natural ventilation systems, and rooftop solar panels. The landscaped grounds feature Japanese garden that describes the islands of the Kingdom of Tonga, "representing our two countries’ harmonic and cooperative relations," he said.
The new wharf is expected to see cargo volumes increase to 45,000 tons per year, and passenger traffic increase to 45,000 people per year in comparison to the 2014 baseline data as zero, he said. The frequency of 1,500 gross ton ships calling upon the port will increase to 45 times per year.
“I wish that the facility will fill our daily lives with bright and hopeful smiles for farmers, tourists, businessmen and everyone who will be awaiting to board.”
The wharf is expected to mobilize people and goods, the flow of daily necessities and agricultural products including various kinds of fruits between Tonga's island groups, boosting the domestic economy and overseas trade.
Prime Minister Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva said Tonga is thankful to the people of Japan for this project, "upgrading the domestic wharf with a modern terminal welcoming travelers to our beautiful capital."
"The purpose was simple to strengthen domestic transport by expanding the wharf. Today we witness what is possible with true cooperation and with growing demand and development, Tonga needed this upgrade," he said.
“Taufa’ahau Tupou IV Domestic Wharf. complete with it's technical features is friendship manifest."
King Tupou VI, Queen Nanasipau’u, Princess Pilolevu Tuita, Hon. Pohiva, and the Japanese Ambassador toured the terminal with the Minister for Infrastructure Hon. Semisi Sika.
A highlight of the commissioning was the Ambassador performing as the vahenga of a ma’ululu, traditional sitting dance, performed by the Ministry of Infrastrucutre and Tourism staff.
Chief Representative JICA Fiji Ms Yukari Ono attended the event with many other guests.