Results for Development

A massive national roads project that aims to tarseal 2,149 kilometers of roads throughout Tonga, is underway with a $15 million pa'anga allocation in the government's 2020-2021 national budget. It's a fraction of the $300 million that is needed to complete the task. The work is slowly getting into motion, says Hekisou Fifita, the Acting Director of the Civil Engineering Division of the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Manager of government road projects. By Pesi Fonua.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a devastating toll in terms of human lives and health, jobs, growth, and economic progress in Asia and the Pacific. Donors have pledged more than $4 billion to replenish Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) grant funds for the region during a virtual meeting on 16 September.

Fishing boats, yachts and the inter-island domestic vessels can now complete their underwater surveys in Tonga after a $700,000 upgraded slipway at Queen Salote Wharf was reopened yesterday, 7 September.

A website raising awareness on cybersecurity was launched in Tonga today by the Minister for MEIDECC Hon Poasi Tei. GetSafeOnline Tonga aims to raise awareness about online risks and to educate businesses and individuals on how to protect themselves from online threats such as phishing scams, identity theft, ransomware, malware, and viruses.

A USD$45 million port upgrade project is being proposed to develop Queen Salote Wharf as an international gateway container and general cargo terminal.

Six Civil Society Organisations received grant funding from the European Union in a $1.15 million-pa’anga allocation to strengthen their work in Tonga.

Three new projects to meet the needs of communities will be funded by the Japanese Government through the Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP). They include renovating a classroom building, upgrading water supply systems, and renovation of a community centre.

The Government of Japan has committed around USD$304,000 to fund four community projects to upgrade water supply systems and schools in Tongatapu.

A two-day Holiday Market Festival starting today in Nuku'alofa, showcased fine handicraft products by Tonga Development Bank's customers in a Microfinance Scheme.