The construction of a new Neiafu Vava’u Police Station started on June 17 to be completed before Christmas this year.

Police Commissioner Stephen Caldwell officiated the start of the work with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Tevita Puloka of Puloka Construction on June 12.

The Commissioner said the new station will provide a stronger policing capability for the people of Vava’u, strengthen border security, provide a safe haven for victims of crime and give their officers a decent building to work in.

"The first role of the Police is to protect our citizens. Policing is about serving the community and working hand in hand to keep our citizens and our young people safe. This new Station is important but it is the work that happens inside and outside of the building that is most important.” 

He acknowledged the support of the New Zealand and Australia Governments, through the Tonga Police Development Program, which constructed seven new police stations throughout Tonga since 2010, the Vaini Police Station, ‘Ohonua Police Station (‘Eua), Pangai Police Station (Ha’apai), Mu’a Police Station, Nukunuku Police Station, Nomuka Police Station and Nuku’alofa Central Police Station.

Meanwhile, the construction and refurbishment of the Vava’u station is costing around $1 million pa’anga.