Two families have moved into their new houses constructed on Nomuka and Tungua in Ha’apai, after being displaced by volcanic eruption and tsunami disasters of 15 January this year. The proud new homeowners are Sepeti Haikeni of Nomuka and Papaea Tau (76) of Tungua.

In April, Digicel Tonga donated $250,000 pa’anga to support the affected people, after the natural disaster, which allowed Tonga Red Cross Society to construct the houses.

The construction, which began in mid-August this year ,was completed on 22 September by OPAS Group Construction.

Tonga Red Cross Secretary General Sione Taumoefolau said today that both families had moved into their new homes. The houses have two rooms, a kitchen and bathroom facilities, a verandah and 5000L water tanks.

The two families extended their gratitude for the donation from Digicel Tonga and the assistance rendered through the Tonga Red Cross Society.

Sione thanked Digicel Tonga for the donation to be able to construct the first ever houses in the Islands of Ha’apai, after the January natural disasers.

Tonga Red Cross selected the most vulnerable beneficiaries, including the elderly of over 70-years-old and whose houses were destroyed, he said.

"If we had more funds we would build more houses for those who lost their dwellings, after the natrual disasters. The society also hopes the two families will look after their new houses well."