Photos by Linny Folau.

Rebuilding of the Nuku'alofa central business district will begin with three Tongan companies who have committed to build using funding made available by China.

HRH Princess Latufuipeka Tuku'aho led a groundbreaking ceremony in central Nuku'alofa this morning to mark the beginning of the reconstruction of the Nuku'alofa Central Business District, much of which was destroyed in a riot on November 16, 2006.

The Minister of Transport and Chairman of the Nuku'alofa Development Committee, Hon. Paul Karalus said it had been two years since Nuku'alofa lost its innocence, when it was set on fire by rioters, but the moment of grieving had past, "now it is time to stand up and work together to build a great city. Today I see a new beginning, new confidence and by working together we can build a new city, one of friendship, peace and prosperity," he said.

On behalf of the Government of Tonga's he thanked the People's Republic of China for making available the funding to rebuild the city. The sum of $120 million pa'anga had been borrowed by the Tongan Government from the Chinese EXIM Bank to be made available to Nuku'alofa Central District land-owners whose properties were damaged by the riot - at a 5% interest rate.

The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, HE Mr Fan Guijin in his remarks made two appeals; firstly, calling for a consolidated effort to ensure the full and successful implementation of the project.

He also appealed to the international community to extend a stronger lending hand to smaller island countries because he was aware of the many problems they are facing, such as lack of resources and skills.

"But I assure that my Government will contribute and do its best to offer assistance to Tonga," he said.

Three businesses

Paul also confirmed at this stage on three local businesses were making avail of the loan and they are the O.G. Sanft Building, Taumoepeau Building and Royco Building.

He also said although the China Civil Engineering Construction Company is the lead contractor, local sub contractors will be hired to assist in the work, and by next month 20 containers from China should arrive in the Kingdom for the work.

The work will begin with sealing off the construction sites for security and safety reasons and the first work will be the excavation for the drainage.

The ceremony held at the site of the former TCF supermarket that was razed by fire on November 16, 2006. Present were the Prime Minister Hon. Dr Feleti Sevele, Baron Vaea, the Vice President of CCECC Zhao Zhongning and some of the business operators' whose buildings were damaged or destroyed during the riot.

At this stage, much of the funding pledged by China remains to be taken up by Tongan businesses.