By Linny Folau.

Three waste management vehicles gifted from the Government of Japan will be used by Waste Authority Ltd. to extend its services in Ha'apai, to collect garbage more efficiently in all villages from Lifuka to Foa.

Japanese Ambassador HE Mr Munenaga Kensaku today handed over the vehicles to Malakai Lomu Sika (WAL) CEO and Lord Lasike (WAL) Board Chair, at Matatoa.

The vehicles included a compactor truck and two flat-bed trucks to be sent for use in Ha'apai.

The Ambassador said these vehicles will enable Waste Authority to collect garbage more efficiently in all villages from Lifuka to Foa.

In 2017, the Government of Japan provided one compactor truck and three flat-bed trucks. With that support, Waste Authority Limited was able to open a new branch in Vava’u and their waste collection services as well as their waste management were much improved, he said.

The vehicles were donated by Kochi-City, Noda-City and Yoshikawa-City through a Society for the Promotion of Japanese Diplomacy, which played an important role in the procurement, maintenance and transportation of all three vehicles.

Lord Lasike on behalf of WAL thanked Japan for this generous assistance.

The vehicles was funded with a grant of USD$85,000 through Japan's Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP).