Lord Tu'iha'angana, the Governor of Ha'apai

A Pangai Community Police Station in Ha'apai, renovated at a cost of over half a million pa'anga was officially opened by the Governor of Ha'apai, Lord Tu'iha'angana, on August 2.

At the opening, Tonga's Police Commissioner, Grant O'Fee, said that the renovation work had included the re-enforcing of the old structure with concrete, making the old building "just like new". He reminded the 26 officers at the station that a good building,  "is nothing, if the people inside are not serving the public, and helping victims."

The renovation of the 180 square metre building,  which included work on the roof, interior, cells and a new parking area, was carried out by a local contractor, Willow Cove Industries and managed by Sione Tukuafu. The TOP$550,000renovation project started in September 2011.

Tonga Police Development Program

HE Dr Jonathan Austin, the New Zealand High Commissioner to Tonga, said his government had committed TOP$14 million towards a Tonga Police Development Program during the past four years.

He said that the renovation of the Pangai Community Police station was the third police station to be completed under the New Zealand program. The other two projects that had been completed were the Vaini Police Station and the 'Eua Police Station. He said that in the planning stage were the refurbishment of the Mu'a Police Station in Tongatapu, and the Neiafu Police Station, Vava'u.

The tripartite Tonga Police Development Program was signed in 2008, between the Governments of Tonga, New Zealand and Australia.

Vaini station was built at a cost of $900,000 and opened in 2010, while 'Ohonua Police station in 'Eua cost TOP$1.1 million and was opened in September, 2011.