By Katalina Siasau

Four community-based aged care centres will be built, with three in Tongatapu and one in Vava’u, under the Tonga Integrated Aged Care Project, said the Minister for Ministry of Internal Affairs, Hon. Fane Fituafe.

The new Minister said they had placed a high priority for the construction of community-based aged care centres to be located in Kolomotu’a, Houma and Tatakangamotonga in Tongatapu and one in Vava’u.

These facilities will provide meals and training for the elderly, among other services funded mainly under an Asian Development Bank USD $16.18 million grant agreement, with commitments from other institutions.

The agreement was signed in 2023 by then Acting Minister for Finance Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu and ADB Director General for the Pacific Leah Gutierrez.

During a media briefing on Friday, 30 January 2026, the MInister spoke about the first 100-day plans for the Ministry.

Labour Mobility

Hon. Fituafe said that the Overseas Employment Division under MIA is currently reviewing the Tonga Labour Mobility Policy 2024.

She said the review is vital, given the significant amount of remittances supporting the national economy.

Pacific Games

Under its Sports Division, the Ministry is preparing to submit legislation to Cabinet for Tonga's hosting of the 2031 Pacific Games.

She said Tonga is committed to hosting the event and is currently paying the required USD $250,000 hosting fee.

Preparations for the upcoming fiscal year include renovation plans for Teufaiva Stadium and ‘Atele Indoor Stadium in preparation for the Pacific Games in Tonga.