The project was completed by Sione’s Foundation of Australia in partnership with the Tonga Water Board (TWB) with sponsorship from McCloy Family Foundation and Mullane Foundation and many other donors.

Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka and members of Sione's Foundation also presented a report of their work and future projects to King Tupou VI, at the Fangata Military Base.

Symbol of life

The Princess in her address said water is a symbol of life, change, purification, flexibility, survival, benevolence and strength. 

“Water is a precious natural resource that is depleting at an alarming rate worldwide and this is why it is essential to be aware of ways to save water, follow sustainable practices, use water saving products and to reduce and reuse water as much as possible.”

She said the ‘Eua Water Quality Improvement project is very timely as the World Water Day is on 22 of March and the 2023 theme is ‘accelerating change’, which highlights the need to accelerate change to solve water and sanitation crisis. 

“This fits in well with the short time frame in which this project has delivered clean drinking water to the people of ‘Eua, and the need to move quickly to ensure clean drinking water for all the people of Tonga.”

She commended the partnership between Sione’s Foundation and TWB, and volunteers in Australia, and majour sponsors including Jeff McCloy & McCloy Family Foundation, Tony Rhodes & the Mullane Foundation and BecaHunterH20.

"There are many businesses in Australia who were approached by Sione’s Foundation to supply equipment for the project, and who subsequently donated tens of thousands of dollars' worth of equipment when they heard that it was very much needed by the people of Tonga."

At the same time, Sione Finefeuiaki, founder of the foundation and former Newcastle NRL player, said their purpose is to help the communities in Tonga.

He thanked HRH who is their patron for being present to share their mission with the people on the outer island.

"It’s a blessing."

Australia’s High Commissioner, HE Rachael Moore also said Australia’s commitment to Tonga remains steady and strong.

Tonga Water 

Meanwhile, this project was funded with $375,000 pa’anga with TWB contributing $200,000 pa'anga.

'Eua gets its water supply from four surface water sources: the Saoa Cave, Fern Gully stream, Pekepeka Cave, and Matavai Cave plus boreholes.

TWB stated today that poor catchment protection and dirty water during the rainy season or storms have always been a great concern for them.

The water quality has impacted residents’ quality of life for many years. Research and investigations have seen a strong push for improvements for residents and settlers now moving on to the island.

The new water quality improvement project has installed a new rapid mixer, filters, solar panel system, chlorine dosing equipment, and test kits will boost the reliability of the water supply and quality of water for consumers.