HM Queen Nanasipau'u

Six years ago on November 16, 2006 the heart of Nuku'alofa's Central Business District was destroyed by rioters but today a new town of commercial buildings, a wharf and roads was handed over to the Government of Tonga.

A ceremony was held at the CBD square attended by Queen Nanasipau'u who cut a ribbon to signify the handover and completion of the project, financed with a TOP$118 million loan from China.

The work began in late 2008 after a groundbreaking ceremony to start the reconstruction of the capital held in November of that year.

The projects completed include Tungi Colonnade, Taumoepeau Building, O.G. Sanft Building, City Assets (Molisi Tonga Building), the renovation of the Royal Palace, renovation of the Royco Building, Vuna Wharf. Civil works have included roads works repair, footpath and drainage and the CBD square.

Hon Samiu Vaipulu Tonga's Deputy Prime Minister said, Tonga today witness a new CBD that with China's assistance had risen from the dust of the November 16 riots.

He said the Government of that day had no choice but to take up this concessional loan to rebuild the town and he commended Lord Sevele, Tonga's former Prime Minister for his initiative.

"Clause 18 of the constitution said that the people of Tonga shall expect government to protect their liberty, property and lives. The project  reconstructed major buildings, roads and Vuna wharf and Government is always looking at ways to develop the local economy," he said.

He thanked China, the main contractor China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation CCECC and sub-contractors.

China

HE Mr Wang Donghua, China's Ambassador to Tonga said he was very happy with the results of the project, which began in late 2008 and was completed earlier this year.

He said after the riots destroyed the heart of the capital and China was the first to make a favorable response to the Government of Tonga by making the soft loan available.

"I am very glad that China made this contribution towards the revitalisation of Nuku'alofa. At the same time it marks a new milestone of cooperation and friendship between Tonga and China," he said.

Mr Zhao Zhongning the Vice President of the CCECC said the CBD reconstruction project was an extensive project.

He said they faced a lot of difficulties along the way but their partnership with their Tongan counterparts pushed the project forward. "I am satisfied to see the new Nuku'alofa CBD, new buildings, roads and footpath and people walking in town," he said.

The ceremony was attended by Tonga's Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano and Ms Ai Yinfang the Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Commerce of the Bureau of International and Economical Cooperation from Beijing.