The Tongan government has received about TOP$55.4 million grant from the Government of Japan to help udgrade and extend Faua wharf.
The grant was received yesterday after Tonga’s Port of Authority revealed last year a plan to extend the wharf starting this year.
The proposed plan involves expanding the wharf’s waterfront operational areas by 250 m from the wharf’s current locations which can cover up to sea areas opposite Takaunove cemetery at Vuna Rd.
The extension plan is expected to be completed by 2018.
Only two ships at the size of MV ‘Otu Anga’ofa can berth at Faua at present but the extension when completed will allow up to 10 ships to dock at the port.
A statement from government today says the new wharf will also cater for inter-island sea transportation with boarding areas specially constructed for the elderly and disabled people.
“The Passenger Terminal Building’s roof top will have an independent solar system to commence Tonga’s step towards facilities that are more energy efficient with a greater degree of energy security, and more importantly an environmentally friendly source of energy”.
Tonga’s Prime Minister, Hon Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva extended his gratitude to His Excellency, Mr Yukio Numata, Ambassador of Japan to Tonga, and the Government of Japan, the “heartfelt appreciation” of the Tongan Government and the people of Tonga with the grant. He therefore expressed his well wishes for the “bilateral relation between Japan and Tonga to continue growing in strength”.
