The keys to the first new home, built by the Tongan government under the volcano and tsunami rebuilding program, were handed over to ‘Ahau resident Halaime Veilofia by the Prime Minister Hon Hu’akavameiliku yesterday.

A total of 468 homes throughout Tonga, affected by the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption and tsunamis, will be rebuilt or repaired by the government. Damage to residential houses after the disaster is estimated at $34 million.

The Prime Minister said the government is focused on recovery and returning life to normalcy for the people who were affected.

The new homes are designed to be more resilient than the homes that were destroyed.

The new home in ‘Ahau includes a sitting room, one bedroom, kitchen, toilet and bathroom facilities, water supply, power supply, and a water tank.

It was built by local company, Dr Dre Construction, owned by Glen Kaumavae.

The Prime Minister said the government is awaiting lease confirmation from the owners before construction begins on other homes.

Meanwhile, 10 families in ‘Ahau received financial assistance from government yesterday, ranging from $500 to $3,000.