A lack of public spaces in Nuku‘alofa has led the Bank South Pacific (BSP) to develop activity areas for youth outside its main branch, opening an upgraded playground for children.

Around 30 children attended the opening on June 8, to enjoy the newly added features to the playground including a rock climbing wall, a higher fireman pole and some abseiling ropes.

BSP Business Manager, Salesi Fineanganofo said the response from the children showed on their faces. “It was very delightful.”

"The beauty of the playground is it is free when there are not too many activities for children out there. It is something the government needs to address," he said.

Due to the cost, BSP Tonga engaged other partners to make this happen, as a corporate funded project involving BSP, Australian Government, TCC, Fletchers, PTH and Tonga Power Limited. The initiative is part of BSP’s yearly community project under the theme ‘Children’, he said.

Another recent theme was ‘Women’ whereby BSP constructed a netball court.

The netball court is also outside the branch and used as a car park during business hours. It turns into an activity space after hours on weekdays and on weekends.

“Saturday is proving to be quite a busy time with Children’s Netball and the Tonga Leiti’s Association tournament. This is a good thing, just think if we didn’t have the court let alone the playground,” he said.