Former Infrastructure Minister Sēmisi Sika has questioned the decision to completely close part of Taufaʻāhau Road for two hours on Friday as Police prepare for a ceremony at which King Tupou VI is expected to officially open Tonga’s new National Emergency Management Office building.
Tonga Police announced that a section of the major road would be closed from 10.30am to 12.30pm on Friday, October 2, although its public notice did not state the reason for the closure. Kaniva News understands the traffic restrictions are associated with preparations to ensure the nearby opening ceremony can proceed without disruption.
Police said the closure would extend from the intersection of Taufaʻāhau Road and Peamotuʻa Road, near the ʻAlonga Disability Centre, to the intersection of Taufaʻāhau Road and the road to Matakiʻeua, in front of EM Jones Gas Station.
Members of the public have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly and use alternative routes where possible.
The Tonga Police Road Safety Unit will be stationed at the closure points to manage traffic and assist motorists.
Sika called on the Government and Police to reconsider a complete shutdown of the road, arguing that it is a vital route connecting central Nukuʻalofa with communities to the east and south, as well as the airport.
“With respect, I kindly ask the Government and Police to reconsider the full closure of Taufaʻāhau Road,” Sika said.
“This is a vital route connecting central Nukuʻalofa with the eastern and southern areas, including the airport, with limited alternative access. Friday is the busiest day of the week.”
Police apologised for any inconvenience caused by Friday’s road closure and asked motorists to cooperate with officers managing traffic in the area.
Previous royal opening cited
Sika questioned whether completely closing the road was necessary, pointing to a previous royal ceremony at the same location.
He said that when the King opened the Utility Office there, the ceremony had been successfully held without the road being completely closed.
“Perhaps the same arrangement could be considered for the opening and keeping at least one lane open under Police control,” Sika said.
“This would respect the importance of the occasion while minimising disruption to our economic development and to the wider public.”
NEMO Headquarters Opening Delayed
The new NEMO headquarters at Matatoa has itself faced delays in being officially opened.
The building was developed under Tonga’s Pacific Resilience Programme as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s disaster preparedness and emergency response infrastructure.
Government budget documents previously identified construction of the Meteorological Service and NEMO headquarters as one of the programme’s components.
Its commissioning had earlier been delayed by a dispute over the land lease arrangements involving Tonga Power Limited, MEIDECC and the Royal Estate. Reports based on Government correspondence said the King had deferred attending an earlier commissioning planned for January while the land issue was being resolved.
