King and Queen lead $24m project to build new settlements for Kanokupolu and Mango people [1]
Saturday, June 11, 2022 - 00:55. Updated on Saturday, June 11, 2022 - 10:12.
King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u are leading a ‘Paletu’a Project’ for the resettlement of hundreds of people whose homes were destroyed by the Hunga tsunamis in January.
The Crown Estate of Kanokupolu in western Tongatapu, with a population of around 320 people, was among the most severely damaged areas in the natural disaster on January 15.
The Royal Family's project aims for the resettlement of the Kanokupolu people at Matatoa, situated near the Royal Villa residence on Tongatapu, by building a new neighbourhood with modern sustainable cyclone resistant housing and community facilities.
The King had already consented to allocate land for the resettlement, following the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption and subsequent tsunamis.
The resettlement project will cost an estimated $24 million pa'anga, to be raised from various sources, including donor funding.
Principal Assistant Secretary at the Office of the Lord Chamberlain, Mosese Vakasiuola, released details and illustrations of the proposed project on 7 June in Nuku'alofa.
He said it was clear that both Crown estates of Kanokupolu and Mango Island are not fit for settlement, due to their vulnerability to natural disasters.
“In the past it has been the responsibility of the country to relocate these people to safer areas, but in this project Their Majesties have stepped in to lead this work,” he said.
The development will build a new neighbourhood, with viable low cost cyclone resistant housing, accessibility to water and electricity, a roads system, a multipurpose hall, a church, a sports field, and other developments.
Mango Island
Meanwhile, the Mango islanders' resettlement will be to Ta'anga in 'Eua, which had been consented to by the King earlier.
The resettlement technical design component is under the Paletu'a Project, while its implementation is left to Government.
Mango islanders are expected to relocate to temporary shelters at Ta'anga soon, while their new houses are to be constructed.