Japan remains committed to assisting Tonga [1]
Monday, March 28, 2011 - 17:50. Updated on Saturday, May 10, 2014 - 14:04.
A GRANT assistance of USD$365,810 was committed by the Japanese Ambassador HE Mr Yasuo Takase on March 25, to fund five community projects in Tonga.
The project is the last under Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects for 2010, which has given USD$684,866 for nine projects. ranging from the upgrading of village water supply systems, to schools development, fishery projects and a welfare bus for the Tonga Red Cross for disabled people on wheelchairs.
The final grant benefites five projects, including three for the upgrading of water supply systems for the villages of Ha'avakatolo in Tongatapu, Ta'anea in Vava'u and Fonoi in Ha'apai, as well as projects for the construction a new Girl Guides Centre in Nuku'alofa and for a new flake ice machine for Ha'apai fisheries.
Earthquake
The Ambassador said that despite the difficult circumstances in Japan after the earthquakes and tsunami that struck north east Japan on March 11 they had decided to continue with their assistance to the five projects, which they committed to before the tragedy.
"We do our best to fulfil our commitment and despite these current hardships we are doing our best to continue with our assistances to Tonga," he said.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Tonga people who had offered their condolences. "It has been very touching and a humbling experience to see the people of Tonga offer financial assistance despite the current financial challenges Tonga faces," he said.