By Katalina Siasau

Traffic congestion in and around Nuku'alofa, as well as inflation, food security and waste disposal, are issues of growing concern for Tonga's new Prime Minister, Hon. Dr ‘Aisake Eke who held a media briefing, following a Cabinet meeting on 14 February, at St. George Government Building in Nuku’alofa.

Three-lane roadway

PM Eke announced plans to alleviate traffic congestion in Eastern Tongatapu by constructing a diversion road near Halaliku Road and developing a three-lane roadway on Taufa'ahau Road, near the Tufumahina residence.

To further improve traffic flow in Nuku'alofa, the PM proposed deploying traffic police at key intersections along Hala Taufa'ahau Road, such as those near Tonga High School and Queen Salote College.

Meanwhile, Deputy PM and Minister for Infrastructure, Hon. Dr Taniela Fusimalohi, highlighted the World Bank's and ADB's concerns about Nuku'alofa's infrastructure, emphasizing the need for traffic lights.

Additionally, PM Dr Eke confirmed that ADB has approved funding for a proposed Fanga'uta Lagoon Bridge, recognizing it as Tonga's top priority. He indicated that the bridge construction process could begin as early as next year.

Inflation concern

The Minister of Trade and Economic Development, Hon. Kapelieli Lanumata, expressed concern about inflation.

To address this, his Ministry will conduct surveys this week to examine prices, particularly for basic necessities. They will also investigate the possibility of monitoring the prices of local produce, such as agricultural goods and fish.

However, the Minister noted that additional resources are needed, including more workers and vehicles. The Cabinet has approved a total of $500,000 pa'anga to address this: $300,000 pa'anga for the purchase of four vehicles and $225,000 pa'anga for the hiring of ten new workers.

Tapuhia Landfill

Deputy PM, Hon. Dr Taniela Fusimalohi, announced that he and representatives from the Ministry of Health planned to visit Tapuhia Landfill on Wednesday, 19 February. The purpose of this visit is to conduct an assessment of the landfill due to concerns raised in a recent audit report.

The audit report revealed inadequate inspection of several groundwater extraction sites near the landfill, including at the villages of Vaini, Folaha, and Nualei.

Deputy PM Fusimalohi emphasized the necessity of the assessment, citing two primary reasons: a death had occurred at the landfill and the landfill's failure to meet regulatory standards.

Additionally, the Deputy PM expressed concern regarding the dumping of septic waste at Tapuhia, which is considered hazardous material. He worried that toxic liquids from the landfill may be contaminating groundwater or other areas.

Food Safety and pesticide residues

The Minister for Agriculture, Dr Siosiua Halavatau, expressed concerns about food safety, emphasizing the Ministry's desire to test pesticide residue in food.

Dr Halavatau voiced concerns that some Chinese growers may not adhere to pesticide withholding periods, stating, "We don't know whether they applied pesticides this morning, and then sell it for us to eat."

Meanwhile, to address waste management, the Minister encouraged the use of composting and biogas digestion, suggesting that "If we use these methods, we can manage wastes in homes and in plantations."