Three new buses were donated by the Government of Japan to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to promote sports and transport athletes to sports competitions and events.

The Japanese Ambassador H.E Mr. Tetsuya Ishii, handed over the buses to the Minister for Internal Affairs, Hon. Losaline Ma’asi at Vuna Wharf this afternoon.

Also present at the hand-over ceremony was the Prime Minister Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva, who appeared not very well with a big lump on his forehead. According to an assistant Lopeti Senituli, the Prime Minister tripped over during the weekend at Popua and knocked his head on the ground.

Buses

The Ambassador said the buses will help build Tonga’s sports capacity and will help commute sportspeople to trainings and local tournaments. They will also be useful for airport transfers for welcoming the visiting teams and for sending off teams to regional and international games.

However, HE Mr Tetsuya Ishii stressed that the buses should not be used for other purposes besides sports, and for the caretakers to be punctual with their maintenance and drive carefully.

Minister Ma’asi thanked Japan for the generous assistance that will assist in providing transport for local athletes.

The buses which cost a total of $350,000 pa’anga are the third batch of Japan’s Non-project Grant Aid Economic and Social Development Program.