The completion of major electricity grid upgrades in two out of five areas under the Nuku'alofa Network Upgrade Project, were marked with an official celebration at the FWC Saione field at Kolomotu’a yesterday, 25 February. 

Prime Minister Hon Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa, New Zealand High Commissioner HE Tiffany Babington, Japan’s Ambassador Designate HE Mr Munenaga Kensaku, Asian Development Bank’s Ms. Gutierrez, and guests attended.

The two areas were completed with funding from the New Zealand Government of NZD$11 million for Area 1, which covers the main urban centre, while the ADB contributed USD$6.8 million for Area 2, where industrial, commercial and residential consumers are located.

Tonga Power Limited CEO Seti Chen said what has been achieved for Areas 1 and 2 of the Nuku’alofa Network Upgrade Project was a significant milestone we could all be proud of.

“When you turn every road and every corner of the Central Business District of Nuku’alofa and visually see the network upgrade, you know the future generation of Tonga will benefit from the investment funding and hard work we celebrate today.”

“Resilient infrastructure for energy is a fundamental building block for any country’s social and economic development, and this is especially critical for small island developing states such as Tonga where climatic events are progressively becoming stronger and more regular,” he said.

New Zealand High Commissioner HE Ms Tiffany Babington said New Zealand’s support to the energy sector had helped to create an environment for sustainable economic growth and social development through improved access to safe, efficient, resilient, and reliable electricity supply for households, communities, and businesses.”

ADB’s Ms. Gutierrez said since 2013, ADB had forged a strong partnership with Tonga Power Ltd.

“During the pandemic, this long-term partnership ensured that the upgraded works we are celebrating today were delivered on time and within budget.”

Under the project TPL provided capacity development training and employed around 17 women trainees, with most working in the field as line mechanics or machine operators. 

There are five work areas of the electricity grid under the Nuku’alofa Network Upgrade Project on Tongatapu.

Upgrade works on the remaining areas are continuing.