Grants scheme targets community projects [1]
Monday, April 2, 2007 - 15:31. Updated on Monday, July 20, 2015 - 12:20.
The Australian Government has this morning given Tonga funds for projects to build new rainwater tanks at Patangata village, to provide a new water supply system for Hihifo, and for protecting the coastline on Lifuka Island.
A cheque for $203,229 was presented by the Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, Dr Bruce Hunt, to 'Aisake Eke, the Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Finance.
The fund is for the Australia Tonga Vulnerability and Adaptation Initiative (VAI) and this year's allocation is for two projects in Tongatapu and one Ha'apai. For Tongatapu, there is $72,163 for a new water supply system for the Hihifo district, and $150,650 for new rainwater tanks for the village of Patangata. For Ha'apai, $7,024 has been allocated for a coastal replanting project at Koulo, Lifuka.
Dr Bruce Hunt said that his government was delighted to help with a program that targeted community level activities.
He said that the Australia Tonga Vulnerability and Adaptation Initiative is a small grants scheme, "it is Australia's response to Tonga's concern about climate change issues and preference for a program that targets community level activities."
Community Development scheme
The initiative is administered together with the Australia-Tonga Community Development Scheme that has a community self-help and poverty alleviation theme.
During the 2006-07 financial year, $1,713,203 has been allocated to finance, VAI and TCDS community projects in Tongatapu, Ha'apai and Vava'u.
The TCDS projects in the current financial year include $386,470 for 146 water tanks project for the villages of Tofoa, Houmakelikao, Tokomololo, Lavengatonga, Fua'amotu, Hofoa and Kolofo'ou.