Tonga receives relief goods from Japan [1]
Monday, February 28, 2022 - 22:29. Updated on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 - 22:46.
A range of emergency relief goods, including food, water, and equipment, donated by Japan have been officially received by the Tonga Government.
MEIDECC CEO, Paula Ma'u, confirmed to JICA Tonga Office's Resident Representative, Hiroaki Takashima on February 25, that the goods were received in Nuku'alofa.
The goods included 2,500 goggles, 4,000 dustproof masks, 2,000 work gloves, 80 high-pressure water blasters (Engine Type), 50 high-pressure water blasters (Plug type), 2,000 shovels, 200 wheel barrows, 1,890 water cans, 50 hand carts, 9,996 water bottles and 14,984 cans of food.
The donation was transported by Japan's Self-Defense Force Aircraft and Transport Ship "OSUMI" from 22 January to 17 February.
In addition, the OSUMI and helicopters delivered the goods and produced drinking water supplying Tongatapu, 'Eua, Ha'apai and Vava’u.
As a token of friendship, one of two rugby balls was handed to Paula Ma'u, from Japan's Air Self-Defense Force Aircraft C-130 crew members with a handwritten message "One Team" or "Tomodachi-Friend".
Another ball will handed over to the President of Tonga Rugby Union at a later date.