Japan starts work on building Tonga’s new wharf

TONGA – A major US$30 million upgrade of the domestic wharf in Nuku‘alofa to be completed by 2018, was launched this week with a ground breaking ceremony by Tonga’s King Tupou VI.

The project, funded as a part of Japan’s grant, will include the extension of the domestic wharf and the building of a terminal for passengers and cargo.

The Japanese Ambassador Yukio Numata said the new wharf symbolises Japan’s recognition of people in Tonga’s daily struggle due to the wide dispersal of its small islands.

The new domestic wharf is envisioned to be a safe harbour for inter-islands vessels, while the passenger terminal building will provide shelter for people in transit.

Numata said the common spirit of islanders voiced during the 7th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting meeting last is guided by the notions of human security and human development.

“These are the core objectives of the project but we also aspire to accelerate the modernising process in Tonga by contributing to the nation’s economic growth in a sustainable manner.”

He said this is especially so in relation to the passenger terminal building, which is multi-functional and could facilitate some of the events in the 2019 Pacific Games.

“Today we are not simply commemorating the beginning of the work to build the new domestic wharf, but rather we are remembering the long-standing and cordial friendship between our nations based on our interdependence and mutual partnership.

“It is also important for all of us to work together as island nations for the safety of sea transportation to maintain maritime order,” the Japanese ambassador said.

Tonga’s Prime Minister Akilisi Pohiva expressed the Government of Tonga’s gratitude for the grant assistance from the government and people of Japan.

He said a port is a gateway for economic development and key economic infrastructure that facilitates the movement of people and cargo in and out of Tonga’s islands, encourages tourism and generates indirect and direct employment opportunities for the people of the Kingdom.

TOA Corporation, a Japanese construction group will carry out the work.

- Matangi Tonga