Nuku’alofa, Tonga—Tonga’s hosting of the Pacific Games hangs in the balance as the government scrambles to secure $26 million for critical facility upgrades.
Officials are considering a new tax levy and reaching out to international donors to bridge the funding gap.
The revelation came as Prime Minister Aisake Eke confirmed in Parliament the government’s commitment to host the Games.
The Prime Minister’s assurance dispelled concerns previously raised by the Opposition about potential withdrawal from hosting duties – a scenario that had occurred with the 2019 Games.
Sinaitakala Tu’itahi, the Minister of Internal Affairs, who oversees Sports, confirmed the financial shortfall recently, revealing that the Ministry is assessing all options to ensure Tonga can meet its hosting commitments.
The Minister acknowledged the difficulties, stating in Tongan: “‘A ia ‘oku ki’i fai pē ki ‘i siosio holo ki he ngaahi donor, na’a nau tokoni mai.” She was saying in English, “We are looking for donors to help.”
She stated that the expenses and costs have been identified, although she stopped short of providing any details. She said the current focus was on securing the necessary funding.
An estimate from the Tonga Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (TASANOC) outlines potential earnings from marketing and athlete housing, Minister Tu’itahi said.
A delegation from Fiji and the Pacific Games Council recently visited Tonga to assess preparations, with officials expecting a formal update on the kingdom’s hosting status and financial plans by October.
The financial challenge is compounded by Tonga’s heavy reliance on foreign aid—a dependency that previously forced the country to withdraw from hosting the 2019 Pacific Games in 2017.
At the time, then-Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pōhiva expressed concerns about potential misuse of funds, leading to the revocation of the hosting permit.
Tonga’s successful bid to host the Pacific Games 2031 surprised many, having been secured through the efforts of former Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku without parliamentary approval.
Reports indicate that to appease the Pacific Games Council following Tonga’s withdrawal as the 2019 host, the Hu‘akavameiliku government struck a confidential deal with the Council—a move that angered critics, especially since Tonga was favorably positioned in its legal dispute with the Council at the time.
