The people in ‘Alakifonua on eastern Tongatapu had their old water system upgraded and handed over by Japan on November 27.

Funded with a grant of USD$85,979  the project installed a new electric water pump system, water pipes and pump house.

Japanese Ambassador HE Mr Tetsuya Ishii said, 'Alakifonua community has often suffered from water shortages due to the regular malfunctions of the old water pump and pipes. 

"I am very pleased to acknowledge that the water supply system has been improved through GGP and households will now be receiving clean and stable water everyday."

Samiu ‘Aho, ‘Alakifonua Town Office thanked Japan for the assistance which ensured every household at the village would now have access to a much cleaner and stable water supply system.

The village water committee sought Japan’s assistance to upgrade a deteriorating system installed in 1980, which was heavily damaged by Cyclone Gita in 2018.

"With Japan’s assistance a new electric pump system was installed along with a new pump house and replacements of water pipes throughout the village."

GGP is a direct grant scheme to meet various needs at the grass-root level and encourage its sustainable development. Up to today over 280 projects have been handed over to various communities throughout Tonga since the scheme was introduced in 1990.