Residents of Vava’u and Ha’apai will benefit from a waste collection service in the new year following the donation of five waste collection vehicles by the Japanese government.
Vava’u will have four of these vehicles which includes two collection waste vehicles, one dump truck, and one septic truck.
Ha’apai will receive one waste collection truck.
The Minister of Health, Hon. Saia Piukala, said the vehicles would help the government
establish a reliable waste management system.
“Waste Authority Ltd has successfully introduced effective waste management in
Tongatapu, but the outer islands have yet to experience the same advantage,” the Minister
said.
“These waste collection vehicles will be of great assistance to support the service in Vava’u and Ha’apai and to address waste management issues in the outer islands.
“We see the development of the outer islands as of great importance.”
Hon. Piukala said establishing a successful waste management system helped conserve the
environment, fight climate change and improved the wellbeing of Tongans.
The vehicles were funded by Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security
Projects and were handed over in the presence of the Japanese ambassador, Hi9s Excellency Tetsuya Ishii.
Waste management is a major concern in Tonga.
Last year a clean up in the Fangauta Lagoon area on Tongatapu collected more than 40
tonnes of metal, plastics and other non-biodegradable waste.
Several donor nations have been involved in waste management projects in Tonga.
Between 2004-2009 Australia spent $Aus9 million establishing a waste collection service in
the capital, setting up a landfill site and encouraging recycling.
The main points
- Residents of Vava’u will benefit from a waste collection service in the new year
following the donation of waste collection vehicles by the Japanese government. - The Minister of Health, Hon. Saia Piukala, said the vehicles would help the
government establish a reliable waste management system. - The vehicles were funded by Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human
Security Projects
For more information
Waste management a priority concern for Tonga
