Left, Sekitofa Malupo and 'Ofa Fa'anunu

The Tonga government has handed over a lease of the 'Ahononou Quarry in Tongatapu to Sekitofa Malupo, who owns the Petani Quarry, 'Eua.

A five-years contract was signed by 'Ofa Fa'anunu,  Acting CEO for the Ministry of Infrastructure, and Sekitofa Malupo for Petani Quarry yesterday, November 6 in Nuku'alofa.

A statement from the Ministry of Infrastructure stated that the reopening of the 'Ahononou Quarry was timely for the resealing of the Fua'amotu International Airport runway which will start soon, and the construction of rural roads in the area.

The 'Ahononou Quarry has high quality rock for construction works and was used for the sealing of the runway at the Fua'amotu International Airport, and  the construction of the road from the airport to Nuku'alofa about 20 years ago. The runway will be resealed soon.

The quarry, which used to be operated by the Ministry of Works, was vacated more than seven years ago "due to a lack of funds."

Early this year government decided to reopen the quarry, and called for tenders. Four companies bid for the take over, and Sekitofa was the successful bidder.

Sekitofa will lease the more than seven acres property, and will also pay a royalty to the Ministry of Infrastructure, based on the tonnage of rock to be extracted from the 'Ahononou Quarry which is situated near the village of Fua'amotu on the south east coast of Tongatapu.