COMMENTARY: While authorities have identified some of the causes of recent fatal traffic accidents in Tonga, a warning by a former Lord Chief Justice after a fraudulent driver’s license issued by the Ministry of Transport was revealed in court should not ignored.
During the previous month, there were three fatal motor vehicle accidents, one of which resulted in the tragic loss of two young children. Law enforcement authorities have indicated that excessive speed and alcohol were contributing factors in these incidents.
A traffic incident in the Hahake district of Tongtapu involved a father and son, with the son serving as the driver. The father succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident. According to police reports, alcohol was a contributing factor in the incident.
Another crash in Tongatapu claimed the life of a young medical doctor. Police said
This week, a crash in Vava’u killed the driver of a heavy truck, who was a young father.
These fatalities did not include several road accidents which involved injuries, severe damages, and posed danger to other drivers and pedestrians.
Recent photographs have captured instances of what appeared to be reckless driving on the road. Notably, one vehicle was observed overtaking others while travelling in the oncoming lane, narrowly avoiding a collision with an approaching vehicle.
Government Reviews
The Eke government is currently conducting reviews of all ministries.
The purpose was to assess government ministries’ and departments’ effectiveness, efficiency, and overall performance.
It was to ensure each ministry was functioning properly and delivering intended outcomes in line with government goals.
However, it has also been indicated that the objectives included reviewing to identify potential deficiencies that allegedly pertained to mismanagement and the abuse of authority.
Transport concerns
There has been longstanding suspicion that the Ministry of Transport may have issued driver licenses in an under-the-table manner.
In 2021, a court decision revealed that the then Lord Chief Justice was shocked to learn about a disabled driver who killed a woman while driving with a license for which he had never taken a theory or practical test.
Siolosi Hu’akau, 21, pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous driving causing death and one count of dangerous driving causing bodily harm after the death of a 76-year-old mother in Tongatapu.
Seventy-six-year-old Stella Fungavaka died after Hu’akau lost control of his vehicle, swerved onto the right lane and collided head-on with the Fungavakas’ vehicle.
Hu’akau told the court he did not sit any driving tests, and his license was issued at the counter through his mother.
Hu’akau admitted he did not know about the traffic rules because he had not taken any driving tests before his license was given.
He was physically and emotionally dependent on his mother and was attached to her.
Hu’akau could not read or write, having only completed class 1 at school. He is described as having the mind of a child.
In sentencing the driver, the Lord Chief Justice said: “Having regard to his physical and mental handicaps (particularly that he has the ‘mind of a child’), it is extremely regrettable that he was ever allowed to drive a motor vehicle in the first place.”
