A major fix is in the works to protect the Foa-Lifuka causeway from ocean erosion after significant damage spotted on its walls and footing.
The Tongan government has agreed to repair the damage according to Ha’apai Governor Moʻale Fīnau.
The sea has caused extensive damage to the footing and walls of the causeway at the entry points from Foa and Lifuka, he said.
Fīnau said yesterday the situation is urgent and the works the government has agreed to do needs to be done as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
He said the repair could cost more than TP$100,000.
He said he has talked to the Finance Minister and Dr ‘Aisake Eke has confirmed the government will fix it.
Fīnau said the people are still using the causeway but he was worried about what will happen if more damage cuts off access to the only way that links the two main largest islands of Haʻapai..
The 575m long passage was commissioned by the king in December 2013.
It was an upgrade made to the original causeway after it was first built by the New Zealand Army engineers in April 1979 and was opened to the public in February 1980.
In January this year Police rescued a driver who was swept into the sea with his vehicle with three other men who tried to cross the causeway while massive waves overtop it.
The following month the causeway was closed off due to high tidal waves.
