By Tupou Vaipulu Jr.

A cluster of container houses assembled at Popua was officially launched on Saturday, 17 August, when HRH Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala unveiled a plaque revealing the name "Niu Lodge". The units will help to accommodate delegates attending the 53rd Pacific Island Forum Leaders' Meeting, which opens in Nuku'alofa on 26 August. 

There are 60 units standing in Popua, which after the Forum, are expected to become a hotel/motel/resort to help boost the Tourism sector due to the shortage of accommodation on Tongatapu.

Another 16 units have been assembled at Vaha'akolo Road, near the National Retirement Benefits Fund building; another 40 units at Kausela Road in Nuku'alofa, and 34 units built at Sopu.

Visitor accommodation in Tonga was heavily impacted by the 2022 HTHH volcanic eruption and tsunamis, when over 20 coastal accommodation places and resorts were destroyed on Tongatapu and its offshore islands.

The Tonga High School Sports Complex, currently under construction, was also expected to be completed in time to host the meeting.