Despite the government’s announcement that it will not host the 2019 Games, it appears that most donor nations will honour their financial pledges.
China, New Zealand and Australia have all indicated they will still provide funds for the Games.
However, the Chinese embassy in Tonga has not said whether it will go ahead with the construction of a new sports stadium.
China promised to fund the construction of the $TP57 million facility at Tonga High School before the government announced it would not be hosting the Games.
Papua New Guinea has said that it will cancel its financial contribution.
The Tongan government announced last year that PNG would give TP$50 million.
Despite Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva’s announcement that the government would not host the Games, the Pacific Games Council remains confident the event would be held in Tonga.
Council president Vidhya Lakhan told Radio New Zealand there might be a small funding shortfall, plans were in place to address that.
As Kaniva News reported earlier this week, the government will continue renovations and maintenance of sporting facilities to prepare its athletes for the Games.
This included the Teufaiva national stadium, Tonga High School complex, Atele Indoor Stadium and the golf course.
The main points
- Despite the government’s announcement that it will not host the 2019 Games, it appears that most donor nations will honour their financial pledges.
- China, New Zealand and Australia have all indicated they will still provide funds for the Games.
- However, the Chinese embassy in Tonga has not said whether it will go ahead with the construction of a new $TP57 million sports stadium.
For more information
Tonga will not host 2019 Pacific Games; PM cites World Bank advice on costs
