Two fire trucks and firefighting equipment were presented to the Tonga Fire and Emergency Services donated by the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Services.

Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, in his capacity as Minister of Police, Fire and Emergency Services, received the donation from the Australian High Commissioner, HE Rachel Moore, at the Fire Station, at Longolongo, on March 10.

“We value our partnership with Australia and know that Tonga would not have been able to operate effectively without the generous donations we have received throughout these years,” he said.

Tonga Fire and Emergency Services had been in partnership with the Metropolitan Fire Services, South Australia for 15-years.

“It is our main provider for fire appliances and any related trainings and a valued donor of surplus equipment and technical uniforms. Indeed, 12 from 15 of our current fire appliances are from the Metropolitan Fire Services, with approximately 90% of our appliance fleet donated from Australia fire departments.”

Tonga Fire and Emergency Services mission to protect life and property was a challenge without the provision of proper fire appliances and equipment.

Government’s funding alone is insufficient to effectively cater for this demand and donations such as the ones received today are the Service’s greatest resources for firefighting, said the PM.

"Tonga will continue to rely on the friendship and partnership it has with Australia as the government strives to build a stronger and a more resilient Tonga."

The fire trucks and firefighting equipment were transported to Tonga on the Australian naval vessel HMAS Canberra.