The Japanese funded multi-purpose training centre for the Red Cross in Haʻapai has been launched Wednesday 30.

The ceremony comes after the Tongan government received TP $3.6 million pa’anga for purchasing of goods and sports equipment to support  economic and social development activities.

The Red Cross Centre was built so it could withstand the impact of natural hazards in the future.

It replaced the previous building which was destroyed by Tropical Cyclone Ian in 2014.

Japanese Ambassador HE Mr Yukio Numata and Haʻapai Governor Moʻale Fīnau as well as Red Cross staff attended the ceremony.