Hon. Fanga Vaea turns on the new water supply for Houma, 27 November 2012.

The people of Houma were overjoyed today, as a new US$106,122 Water Supply System funded by the Government of Japan was turned on and handed over for the community.

HE Dr Kazuchika Hamuro, Japan's Ambassador to Tonga cut the ribbon while Hon. Fanga Vaea turned on the water supply system, that included one solar water pump, two water tanks, two water tank stands, a piping system, pump house and fence.

The project worth US$106,122 was financed under Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP).

The Ambassador said that Japan was committed to promoting community development and since the early 1990's it had funded more than 230 grassroots projects in Tonga.

"Most of these projects are focused on community schools and water supply system in villages. In Houma, Japan had previously assisted by financing two upgrading projects of GPS Houma in 2003 and 2011. Now Houma has both," he said.

"It is my hope that the upgraded water supply system will be well taken care off by the people of Houma, to ensure its longevity, as our long lasting friendship. It is important that the generations to come have the same level of access to a clean and stable water supply."

Sione Nuku Kata, the Manager of Houma's Water Supply, thanked the Government of Japan for giving them to access clean water.

As the water supply system was turned on  omen from the village happily danced in the water.

Baroness Tuputupu attended the ceremony with other guests, including Rev. Simote Vea and Tongatapu MP Sifa Tu'utafaiva.

The project's local contractor was Naryba Engineering Enterprises and Development Services.