Results for Development

Tonga's outer island populations are decreasing, although the national population has increased by 1,045 people since 2006, a preliminary count of Tonga's National Population and Housing Census for 2011 shows.

The $30 million reconstruction of Vuna Wharf in Nuku'alofa has been completed 77 days ahead of schedule, and is now ready to be commissioned and to welcome the first cruise ship visit in early 2012.

A Seismic Network for Earthquake Observation in Tonga was launched yesterday at the Tonga government's Geological Services Unit at Vaololoa, Nuku'alofa.

A contract for the renovation of the Ha'apai Police station worth around $500,000 pa'anga was signed today by the Minister of Police, Hon Lisiate 'Akolo and the Managing Director of Willow Cove Industries Ltd Sione Tukuafu at the Police Headquarter, Longolongo.

Tonga needs a US$17.6 million grant from the World Bank as part its $US32.8 million fast internet connection project, which will allow Tonga to join the rest of the world and take full advantage of what digital technology has to offer at lower prices.

An under-water telecommunication fiber optical cable network to connect Tonga to the rest of the world should be in operation before the end of 2012, according to Paula Ma'u, the Chief Executive Officer for Tonga's Ministry of Communication and Information.

The completion of the $118 million pa'anga reconstruction of central Nuku'alofa funded by a loan from the EXIM Bank of China is now hanging on a knife-edge. An investigative report leaked to the public this week reveals that high level political manoeuvring to take over the operation could derail the reconstruction by undermining its legally contracted project management. The sensitive report goes to Cabinet today, June 24.

Tonga is one of the Pacific countries that has successfully engaged with New Zealand's seasonal employment scheme, now generating huge benefits for Pacific families and attracting the support of donor agencies.

New Zealand has committed NZD$5.8 million dollars to fund a major upgrade of electricity distribution networks in 17 rural villages in Tongatapu that would improve the lives of some 10,000 people by providing a safe and reliable electricity supply.