The Prime Minister, Lord Tu'ivakano

Construction of a $180,000 terminal facility for the MV 'Otuanga'ofa at the Halaevalu Wharf, Neiafu, Vava'u was begun by the Prime Minister, Lord Tu'ivakano with a  ground-breaking ceremony on 24 January.

Tapu Panuve, the Chairman of the Friendly Islands Shipping Authority FISA, which operate the MV 'Otuanga'ofa, said the terminal is the first for Halaevalu Wharf.

"The wharf was built during the early 1980s but since then the embarking and the disembarking of passengers; and the loading and the off loading of cargo were in a free flow fashion," he said.

"It is a wonder that no one has been seriously hurt or killed," said Tapu, "and we definitely do not want to be blamed."

Tapu said the development of terminal facilities in the outer islands of Tonga was difficult because they do not have the same inflow of ships as Nuku'alofa, "they don't have the source of revenue."

The Nuku'alofa Harbor is administered by the Nuku'alofa Port Authority, whereas Lifuka, Neiafu, 'Ohonua, and the Niuas are administered by the Ministry of Infrastructure.

Tapu was optimistic that the two years old MV 'Otunaga'ofa, should be able to provide a reliable and secure transportation service to the outer islands of Tonga.

He said that the Halaevalu Wharf terminal facility was designed by Quality Design Ltd, Nuku'alofa. The construction work will be carried out by Veisiale Construction, a local construction company, should be completed in six weeks.

During the peak season, the school holidays, and the Christmas season between November and March, the MV 'Otuanga'ofa sails twice a week between Nuku'alofa and Neiafu, calling in at Nomuka, Ha'afeva and Lifuka in the Ha'apai Group. It also sails every three months to Niuafo'ou and Niuatoputapu.

With the expected disruption to the domestic air service after the withdrawal of Chathams Pacific airline on 3 March, Tapu is optimistic that sailing, which is cheaper than flying and is comfortable onboard the MV 'Otuanga'ofa will become popular again.