National Early Warning and Emergency Centre construction begins [1]
Wednesday, November 22, 2023 - 09:16
By Tupou Vaipulu Jr.
A ground breaking ceremony that marked the beginning of the construction of a new National Centre for Early Warning and Emergencies under the Pacific Resilience Program Project, was held on 21 November 2023 at Matatoa, Tofoa.
Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala and Princess Sinaitakala Tuku'aho were the guests of honour at the ground breaking ceremony, with the Crown Prince initiating the ground breaking followed by the Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameiliku and Deputy PM Hon. Samiu Vaipulu.
Two National Centres have already been established in Ha'apai (2020) and Vava'u (2021). MEIDECC's CEO, Sione 'Akauola, said the centre in Tongatapu will be similiar to those in the two outer islands.
Also attending the ceremony were members of the Diplomatic Corps, CEOs for various government ministries and a special representative from the World Bank, Miss Simone Esler.
Miss Esler said that this building will be a state-of-the-art facility and a beacon for resilience.
"It will be equipped to monitor and provide early warnings for a range of disaster hazards."
The construction of this building is funded by the World Bank through the Pacific Resilience Program (PREP) Project which was finalized in 2015.