Reconstruction work has started on the foreshore at Kanokupolu, one of several villages that was severely damaged by the Hunga tsunamis in January.

On 1 November, MEIDECC CEO Paula Ma'u joined the village community at their shoreline in western Tongatapu.

He said the project under GCCA+SUPA is expected to be completed by March 2023.

The development is funded by the European Union (EU) through the global climate challenge alliance in collaboration with the Pacific Community (SPC), University of the South Pacific and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).

At the same time, New Zealand has committed assistance of NZD$8 million that will include projects to build better and more resilient foreshores of affected areas.

The reconstruction of the seawall is undertaken by Petani Quarry. They are looking to restore the three roads leading to the Kanokupolu Beach, and parts of the seawall that was severely destroyed by the tsunami. Work is underway by experts to survey the high-risk areas and gather data to draw up a new work plan, which includes a new foreshore design that is larger and safer, he said.

It is aimed that once this reconstruction development is completed it will bring safety to the village during natural disasters.