By Eleanor Gee

Lockdown restrictions will be eased with businesses able to operate for three days starting on Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday, said the Prime Minister Hon Hu’akavameiliku during a virtual press conference today, March 30.

This means businesses such as retail shops, petrol stations, banks, restaurants and other businesses, who had already submitted operating processes to abide by COVID-19 protocols, can open from 5:00am to 8:00pm on these days.

The eased restrictions will start from 5:00am on Saturday, April 2.

Last Saturday tedious queues formed for all essential services and because businesses could not prepare during the lockdown, at least one supplier filtered water supplies had run out of supplies soon after 10:00am and had to close to customers until late in the evening. People who missed out were desperate for water.

The Prime Minister said that under the eased restrictions, businesses are also able to prepare for operations the day prior to opening.

Petrol stations can refill, retail shops can restock and gas stations can distribute to help lessen congestion on the operating days, he added.

Education support

Funding support available for a range of sectors due to the restrictions was also announced by the Prime Minister.

There is support for businesses and the informal sector, as well as support for loans, tax, electricity, vulnerable groups, electorates, and education, he said.

The government will pay for Term 1 school fees for all students up to Form 7. This is estimated to cost around $1million to $1.2million.

"This is to lessen the burden on parents."

Students in Forms 6 and 7 will also be subsidized with up to $500 each towards purchasing a laptop or computer that meets government criteria.

Hon. Hu’akavameiliku said the laptops will provide these students with better access to online studies so they don’t fall behind.

Electricity support

The government has agreed to subsidize the increase in the electricity price due to start in the April to June quarter.

Minister for Finance Hon Tatafu Moeaki said the Electricity Commission approved an increase of around 6 seniti per kilowatt.

"The government is providing support in two ways."

“The first is to pay for the increase in price in the next quarter. This means the electricity price will remain at 91 seniti per kilowatt, and the government will pay for the increase.

The government will also pay 11 seniti per kilowatt for those using up to 150 kilowatts per month, he said.

This is estimated to cost $1.7 million for the next three months.

Business support

Businesses that closed down during the lockdown and could not pay their staff can request funds from government for up to four weeks of wages for each of their employees.

“This is for those [employees] who work full time and are members of Tonga’s retirement fund,” said Hon Moeaki.

“Support is also available for the informal sector.”

The government is also providing half a million for those who work in fishing, tourism, trade, agriculture sectors.

Loans

While, $11.7million has been allocated to support the Tonga Development Bank to offer loans with 1% interest rate up to five years. However, this agreement is expected to be finalized with the bank next week.

Extra funding will also be provided to the 6,000 elderly and people with disabilities who currently receive monthly allowances from the government.  

Hon. Moeaki said they will receive an extra $100 in April and again in June with their monthly allowance.

Funds are also going to each electorate to reach those who are struggling in the community.