Villages in the Hihifo district were gifted with plumbing equipment, at an official event yesterday, to help them maintain their water supplies and to cater to their plumbing needs.

This follows a basic plumbing training course with 20 trainees from the district, provided by owner and founder of CC Plumbing Services, Christopher Faka'utoki.

The villages benefitting from the program include Ha'avakatolo, Fo'ui, Kolovai, Ha'atafu, Kanokupolu, Ha'utu, Fahefa, Te'ekiu, 'Ahau and Masilamea.

The plumbing equipment was donated by Tonga Skills through Live and Learn, who also funded the training under an initiative to improve water supplies of communities in Tonga, post Tropical Cyclone Gita.

Live and Learn CEO Dr Peni Havea told the villagers that it is important to look after their plumbing equipment, use their new skills to cater for their personal plumbing needs, and also develop a plumbing business.

Tongatapu 5 Parliament Representative, Losaline Ma'asi, said Hihifo's water supplies had been problematic for many years now.

“Acquiring these plumbing skills together with the equipment means that their water problems will be rid of.”

The event was held at Ha'avakatolo's newly built hall called Fanongo Talanoa.

Live and Learn is also completing similar programs in the Hahake District. It funds its programs with support from the public, governments (including the Australian Government), the corporate sector and international development agencies.

Tonga Skills is an initiative of the Australian Government supporting inclusive economic growth through skills development in Tonga.