Eight fishing boats donated to Tonga from Dongguan Municipality in China in January this year, were returned when officials discovered, after inspecting the vessels, they were of a low quality and none were up to standard.

Minister of Fisheries, Hon Semisi Fakahau revealed in parliament yesterday, 21 March, they thought China would send new replacement boats, but instead, they were given funds to build new fishing boats here in Tonga.

Acting CEO for Fisheries, Vilimo Fakalolo confirmed to Matangi Tonga today that the faulty fishing boats were sent back to China earlier this month on a container ship.

The fishing boats that were manufactured in China, were a gift from China’s sister city to Ha’apai, Dongguan Municipality in Guangdong Province and included boat engines, and lifesaving gear.

They were given to Tonga at a handover ceremony where Hon Semisi Fakahua and the Chinese Ambassador to Tonga HE Wang Baodong signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the donation.

Four of the fishing boats were to be sent to Ha’apai and the Tonga Government were going to distribute the remaining four.

Dongguan became a sister city with Ha’apai in 2016 and has since donated agriculture machinery, medical equipment, school equipment and stationery, and water tanks among other items.