The Government of Japan has donated $640,000 pa'anga for the construction of new facilities at Niu'eiki Hospital, 'Eua, and the upgrading of water supply systems for villages in Vava'u.

Under Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project GGP, $175,000 pa'anga will be spent in the construction of a new Children's Ward and Diabetic Clinic at Niu'eiki Hospital; and $465,000 will be spent to upgrade the water supply systems for Ovaka, Vaimalo and Mataika in Vava'u.

The Japanese Ambassador to Tonga HE Mr Yasuo Takase said during the Grant Contracts signing on March 10 that good health is of great importance to the well being of all people. With the construction of a new Children's Ward and Diabetic Clinic at Niu'eiki Hospital, improved health care would be easily accessible for the people on the island.

He said Japan was aware of the conditions and difficulties in terms of water supply in Tonga and had prioritized the development of water supply systems to ensure easy access to clean water at all times.

The funding of these projects is in line with Japan's Official Development Assistance policy aimed at promoting development at the grassroots level in providing basic necessities in health, education and water.

Grant Contracts were signed between the Ambassador and representatives of the projects, including the Niu'eiki Hospital Board.

It was also confirmed that under GGP Japan would also finance the upgrade of Niuatoputapu water supply system this year.

The Director of Health Dr Siale 'Akau'ola in thanking Japan for its assistance to health, applauded the representatives of the projects in their proactive move to improve the basic health of their communities.

"They identified their needs and put in their proposals for help and did not wait for the Ministry of Health," he commented.