The people in Lavengatonga on eastern Tongatapu had their old water system upgraded by Japan and handed over on May 28.

Funded with a grant of USD$87,862 the aid project installed a 5000 gallon tank, diesel water pump and the main pipe, among other fittings.

Japanese Ambassador HE Mr Tetsuya Ishii said Japan recognizes that a clean and stable supply of water is a lifeline is vital for our everyday life and highly prioritizes water supply projects on their list of development priorities.  

He heard that the Lavengatonga community had often suffered from water shortages due to the regular malfunctions of the old water pump and water pipes.

“I am very pleased to acknowledge that the water supply system has been installed through the Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) and households will now be receiving good quality water everyday,” he said.

Town Officer Viliami Tautalanoa thanked Japan for the significant assistance that now allows them to enjoy a sustainable supply of water.

The Village Water Committee sought Japan’s assistance to replace a deteriorating water pump system installed in 1996.