The Vaiola Hospital wastewater and sewerage system will be upgraded with the help of the Australian government - providing $2 million (AUD) to support the project.

The Minister for Health Hon. Dr. Siale ‘Akau‘ola and the Australian High Commissioner, HE Rachael Moore, with  the CEO of Ministry of Finance, Kilistina Tuaime‘api, signed the funding arrangement on 15 March, in Nuku'alofa.

H.E. Moore said that Australia was pleased to fund the upgrades as part of Australia’s 20-year commitment to improving the delivery of health services in Tonga.

“After experiencing challenges with blockages and overflows, in 2023 and at the request of the Ministry of Health, Australia commissioned a technical review of the wastewater system within the hospital buildings and identified urgent rectification,” she said.

“We were able to work with the Ministry of Health last year to install septic tanks and undertake minor works, but today’s agreement means we can fully rectify the issues and protect wellbeing. We thank the Ministry of Health for their commitment to action.”

Dr ‘Akau’ola welcomed the funding, "the Ministry of Health acknowledges that these essential works will contribute to the sanitation of the hospital which is critical to patient health.”

The upgrade is expected to be completed in 18 months, including the design, supply, and installation of the entire sewerage infrastructure.