A ceremony was held on Mangaia on Tuesday to commemorate the successful completion of a two-year programme of extensive infrastructure improvements and investments in the island’s people, writes Pam Steele on Mangaia.

The ceremony was attended by a delegation from Rarotonga, including Albert Nicholas, Minister for Infrastructure and Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC), Fletcher Melvin, chair of CIIC, Jennifer Henry, chief executive officer of the Bank of the Cook Islands, and the project’s manager, Vasie Poila, general manager of Crown Enterprises at CIIC.

The Mangaia project included major renovations to the island’s hospital and doctor’s residence, the island government administration building and infrastructure workshop, the Mangaia school, airport building and the Mangaia power station.

The delegation from Rarotonga was led by Minister for Infrastructure and Cook Islands Investment Corporation Albert Nicholas (middle). CIIC/23112217

One of the major items in the works programme included the delivery and installation of a 20,000-litre fuel tank mounted on new foundations at the power station.

Another major item was $30,000 towards the renovation and upgrade of the Mangaia crusher which is vital for tar sealing and runway repairs.

The works were planned and scoped by the Cook Islands Investment Corporation in association with the Mangaia Island Government, alongside other relevant ministries and government owned entities including Te Marae Ora. Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Education and the Bank of the Cook Islands.

Funding for the Mangaia works programme was just over $1 million with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed at the ceremony for ongoing repairs and maintenance work, with most of these costs to be covered by CIIC.

After an early morning arrival at Mangaia Airport, delegation members were welcomed by the Mayor of Mangaia, Makitua Tutai, the Island Council, Aronga Mana and people of Mangaia, before travelling to the island’s administration area for the works completion ceremony.

Students from the Mangaia School performed dances before lunch for the delegation and the Mangaia community in perfect weather conditions.

Minister Nicholas said: “As we embarked on this journey, our goal was clear: to enhance the infrastructure that forms the backbone of the Mangaia community, spanning education, health, administration and general infrastructure.”

“Over the past two years, we dedicated ourselves to the task of transforming Mangaia. Our overarching aim was to create a safer, more accessible, and enjoyable environment for both our community and our hardworking staff.”

Addressing a crowd of more than 70 people, Nicholas added none of the work would have been possible without the invaluable support of landowners, all key stakeholders and most importantly, the Mangaia community.

“Your commitment and collaboration have been the driving force behind the success of this programme,” he said. “These works we believe have been transformational and will serve the Mangaia enua for many years to come.”

“Like many of our ambitious projects, we faced challenges. Limited material supply and intermittent shipping schedules tested our resolve. Yet, in the face of adversity, we prevailed.”

After lunch, the delegation was taken on an inspection of project sites before returning to Rarotonga late afternoon.

Mayor Tutai thanked the delegation on behalf of the local community and said the Mangaian Island Government looked forward to continuing to work with the Pa Enua Government Buildings Programme which had brought great benefits and improvements to the lives of the people of the island.