One hundred water tanks were handed over by the Chinese Embassy to the Tonga Government at an official ceremony at Fa’onelua Convention Centre today, 25 August.

Prime Minister Hon Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa and the Chinese Ambassador to Tonga HE Cao Xiaolin cut a ribbon to mark the handover.

The water tanks (3,000 litres each) were donated by Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, China, and made in Tonga. They will be distributed to families in need throughout Tonga by the government.

HE Cao Xiaolin said he hopes that these water tanks, will help Tongan people drink clean water, and lead a more comfortable life. “In this sense, it is a very important livelihood project.”

The Ambassador said that more donations from Dongguan City would arrive for the Tongan Government and the Tongan people soon.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy Secretary, Leonaitasi Kuluni thanked Dongguan City for their generous donation “as these water tanks will benefit all the people of Tonga”.

“His Majesty’s Government renders its support in promoting the strong ties between our two countries and supporting the People’s Republic of China in the international arena,” he said.