Launch of Vuna Wharf postponed after death of king [1]
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 22:12. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
A plan to launch the newly reconstructed Vuna Wharf on April 18 by the late King George Tupou V on 18 April, to coincide with the arrival at the new wharf of its first cruise ship, has been postponed to June, according to Mosese Lavemai, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nuku'alofa Port Authority.
The government's $30 million investment to reconstruct Vuna Wharf was aimed at boosting the tourism industry by attracting more cruise ships to call into Nuku'alofa. Mosese, a member of a Cruise Steering Committee that overlooks the development and the promotion of the wharf, said that following the sudden passing of the king, "we have been directed by the Prime Minister's Office to delay the opening of Vuna Wharf from 18 April to a date in June, to be confirmed."
But Mosese said, "no cruise ship will arrive in Nuku'alofa in June."
Meanwhile, the construction of a connecting road had been completed, with minor works left to be carried out, including the setting up of security housing and equipment.
Development [4]