The Tonga government's infrastructure planning procedures along with the associated budget and aid management systems will be improved by the end of the year, with assistance from the Pacific Regional Infrastructure Facility.

On Friday 23 October government decided to proceed with the preparation of Tonga’s National Infrastructure Investment Plan 2020-2030 (NIIP-3).

According to Lupe Fe’iloaki from the Prime Minister’s Office, the 2020-2030 NIIP-3 is expected to be completed by the end of December 2020.

Setting priorities

The Asian Development Bank stated on 4 November that the NIIP-3 will not only establish a priority infrastructure project pipeline but will also help improve government infrastructure planning procedures and integration into budget and aid management systems.

Tonga's Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet, Edgar Cocker explained that the Tongan government anticipates “a strong focus on infrastructure development.”

He said, “Infrastrucure planning is critical for the government’s development effort. This process will improve the criteria for screening and prioritising infrastructure projects for investment opportunities.

“We look forward to working with the Pacific Regional Infrastructure Facility to complete the work.”

The PRIF partners include the Asian Development Bank, Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, European investment Bank, European Union, Japan International Cooperation Agency, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, US State Department and the World Bank Group.