The Deputy Prime Minister denied claims that the Ministry of Infrastructure dismantled a house currently occupied by a family in Ha’asini, as reported to the House by former Minister of Infrastructure, Sevenitiini Toumo’ua.
Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimalohi told the House this afternoon that the matter has been referred to the police for investigation.
Fusimalohi, currently the Acting Prime Minister, said Toumo’ua’s false allegations in Parliament degraded the Ministry of Infrastructure and the government.
Fusimālohi stated in the House that the family provided him with reports that appeared to have contradicted Toumo’ua’s version of the story.
The house is understood to have been one of the prefabricated units built by the government for the Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Tonga.
Hundreds of such houses were constructed, and after the event, the government sold or allocated them to needy families.
A Facebook post, allegedly by Toumo‘ua, featured a photo of him with individuals believed to be the family in question.
The image was widely shared yesterday, with many condemning the government following the reported demolition.
As Kaniva News reported, Toumo’ua reacted furiously yesterday when Fusimālohi questioned the status of Parliament’s Anti-Corruption Committee.
Fusimālohi was investigating whether the public could easily file complaints with that committee regarding any suspected corruption by MPs.
The exchange sparked heated debates, with Toumo’ua receiving backing from former PM Hu’akavameiliku.
