Tonga needs to pay attention to our sanitation - a main source of pollutants, says a survey.

Compost toilets are an environmentally friendly solution for schools sanitation. Pilot projects at Kanokupolu and Kolovai Government Primary Schools under the Tonga Integrated Water and Coastal Management Project (Tonga IW R2R project) were launched at an event attended by Prince Ata on March 10.

The projects aim to help reduce sanitation pollution in Tonga and include three compost toilets and three plastic septics with sand filtering systems installed at primary schools, households, and resort between Fo’ui and Ha’atafu.

The National Project Coordinator, Silia Leger, said a study of possible land-based pollution concluded that sanitation waste is the main pollutant in Hihifo’s environment. 

“Previous programs such as WASH, conducted sanitation and toilet system surveys in all primary schools in Tonga and ‘Eua, and confirmed the need for Tonga to pay attention to our sanitation situation.”

Member of Parliament for Tongatapu 5, Losaline Ma’asi said the people of Hihifo were lucky.

“We are indeed grateful to the project and the various partners for deciding to work with the people of Hihifo on this pilot project.”

The Tonga IW R2R Project also focuses on helping establish coastal zone management plans for critical fisheries habitats and coastal areas, including the Kanokupolu Special Management Area (SMA), to revive the health and status of coastal fisheries resources.

Silia said after all these successful implementations, the launching program was put together to acknowledge all the effort and hard work made to accomplish the achievements of the R2R project and the positive impacts on the management of the Hihifo District.

The project is funded under the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and managed by the Pacific Ridge to Reef Project (R2R), UN Development Program, UN Environment Program, GeoScience Division of the Pacific Community, partner departments such as Environment and Fisheries, plus the support of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

Tongatapu 5 Youth Council also provided support to the project.