Part of the profits from Tonga’s combined publicly owned transport sector will be used to improve port, air and shipping facilities.
The combined transport sector has met its annual target of a net profit before tax of TP$8million.
The Ports Authority Tonga, Tonga Airports Limited and the Friendly Islands Shipping Agency produced a net profit of TP$6 million after tax.
Chairman of the Shared Transport Sector Board of Directors, Dr Sione Ngongo Kioa, said the Shared Transport Sector Public Enterprises returned $TP3.5 million to the shareholders and the public during the 2017-18 financial year.
A total of 75% of net profits after taxes will contribute to improving and developing port facilities, international and inter-island air and ferry transport services.
Planned port developments include the purchase of capital equipment, tar sealing of the Port of Nuku’alofa international wharf surface and acquisition of a second-hand tug boat.
Projected work to improve air services include the extension of the Fua’amotu international terminal, upgrading of domestic terminals, provision of a water reservoir for Fua’amotu Airport and work at Lupepau’u airport.
Funding for shipping services will go to building up funds for vessel replacement,improving Vava’u wharf and refurbishing the shipping agency’s domestic offices.
Several major transport projects were completed during the 2017-18 financial year.
The Taufa’ahau Tupou IV Domestic Wharf was commissioned.
The Nuku’alofa Port infrastructure was upgraded and the hard stand by the Queen Sālote International Wharf Hardstand completed.
The navigational aid and airfield ground lightings at Fua’amotu international airport were upgraded.
A Jet A1 fuel station was built at Lupepau’u airport by TAL and putting into operation the newly purchased MV Tongiaki by FISA.
The newly purchased MV Tongiaki was put into service.
The main points
- Part of the profits from Tonga’s combined publicly owned transport sector will be used to improve port, air and shipping facilities.
- The Ports Authority Tonga, Tonga Airports Limited and the Friendly Islands Shipping Agency produced a net profit of TP$6 million after tax.
