A grant assistance of over half a million pa'anga was signed by the Japanese Ambassador to Tonga, HE Mr Yasuo Takase, and representatives from three Technical Institutes in Nuku'alofa on March 17.

The USD$242,655 grant will finance the upgrading of the three institutes, St Joseph's Business College, 'Ahopanilolo Technical College and Tonga Institute of Science and Technology. The renovation works will include the upgrading of water systems, laundry training rooms, cook training rooms, and road maintenance.

The project is funded under the Japan's Grant Assistance to Grassroots Human Security Project and is designed to address basic human needs including education, health, water supply and rural infrastructure.

Tragedy in Japan

The Ambassador in a heartfelt address at the signing ceremony said Japan is undergoing a very difficult time following the recent earthquakes and the subsequent tsunami.

He said they were greatly encouraged by the thoughts and efforts of the people and government of Tonga and conveyed their heartfelt gratitude for Tonga's sympathy and condolences.

"Despite this tragedy, Japan is still reaching out to assist our Tongan friends for their self-help efforts to alleviate hardships that Tonga is facing."

He stressed it is therefore his hope that the recipients of these projects would utilise and maintain these improvements so that the people of Tonga might benefit from it for many years to come.

Ha'apai

Earlier, on March 11, the Japanese government also handed over three projects in Ha'apai funded at a cost of USD$270,463 under the same GGP program.

Mr Yoshimitsu Kawata, the Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Japan in Nuku'alofa handed over the projects for upgrading Koulo Primary School with two new classrooms, desks, stools and toilet facilities; and while Kotu and Lofanga villages received new water supply systems with solar pump units, gallon tanks and pipes.