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Minister of Infrastructure failed to release real details of tsunami construction, Dr Eke claims

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Minister of Infrastructure and his staff have failed to give the public correct information about the tsunami construction works, MP for ‘Atatā, Dr ‘Aisake Eke claimed this week.

Minister of Infrastructure Sevenitiini Toumo’ua and MP Dr ‘Aisake Eke

Dr Eke’s claim came in the wake of the relocation of the ‘Atatā tsunami victims from a hall at Kolomotu’a to the newly created village of ‘Atatā Si’i.

As Kaniva News reported last week, a group of people from ‘Atatā who were made homeless by the 2021 Hungas eruption and tsunami had been ordered to move into tents at ‘Atatā Si’i just as the cyclone season has  begun.

They do not have bathrooms and toilets. They were told by the government to share  the ‘Atatā Si’i’s residents’ bathrooms and toilets.

Following our report, the Ministry said on its Facebook page this week that it had shown (“fakanofonofo”) the victims who had been living in the hall at Kolomotu’a their new homes at ‘Atatā Si’i. However, it did not say that these people were living in tents and they were told to share toilets and bathrooms with people who first settled at ‘Atatā Si’i.

It also said the Ministry of Lands and Survey, together with the estate holder’s agent, were still working on land for the recent relocated victims, implying there would be no construction on these lands until the Ministry finalised the question of ownership of the land.

Kaniva News spoke with some residents of ‘Atatā Si’i who said the arrival of the remaining ‘Atatāans made it difficult for those who were already settled in the new village.

Dr Eke said the tsunami reconstruction was slow because local construction contractors were disappointed with the Minister of Infrastructure, Hon. Sevenitiini Toumo’ua. 

He said the contractors were unhappy after Hon. Toumo’ua fixed the contract for each new house at what was claimed to be an undervalued price.

He said these contractors submitted a petition to the Parliament before a Parliamentary committee was selected to work on it. The Select Committee members included Dr Eke, Hon. Toumo’ua, MP Tevita Puloka and MP Lord Tu’ivakanō.

Dr Eke said Hon. Toumo’ua was unco-operative and failed to provide important information from his Ministry to the committee.  

He said the Minister refused to provide the Ministry’s  bill of quantity so that the Committee could compare it with the contractors’ costs and estimate.

Dr Eke said the committee assessed the costs for building materials and other related expenses for a new house was TP$130,979 based on houses which had already been built. The Minister offered an amount of only TP$85,000 to the contractors. The Ministry’s costing of a one storey house was $90,000 but the committee reviewed the figure and said a fair cost was TP $154,420.

Dr Eke said some contractors initially agreed to take the Minister’s offer, but subsequently ran short of money to complete the construction. They eventually complained and many pulled out.

Dr Eke said the Ministry should have reimbursed the companies.

“The Ministry especially the Minister had been underperforming (“ta’efakafiemālie”) in handling the tsunami construction project”, Dr Eke said.

“The information they released to the public was not reliable.

He said the construction should have been conducted without delays.

“There was enough fund donated by from overseas donors for the construction and there is TP$95 million of government’s cash reserve funds”, he told Kaniva News.

“There are funds for other various projects that could be postponed and redirected them for the housing construction.

“There is enough money, but the construction works are slow for various reasons”.

As we reported last week, Deputy Prime Minister Sāmiu Vaipulu told the Legislative Assembly the houses of the families who were moved to ‘Atatā Si’i  had not been damaged by the tsunami.

Hon. Vaipulu said the assessment report for the reconstruction projects was based on those whose houses had been damaged. He told the House the ‘Atatā Si’i estate holder had provided land for the tsunami victims and that the government was looking for funding.

“Leave it for the government to figure out what to do for these people.,” Hon. Vaipulu said.

Dr Eke said the people of ‘Atatā should have not been allowed to return to the island as it was now a red zone.

Kaniva News has contacted The Ministry of Infrastructure for comment.

Alleged offender hands himself in after Tongan man killed in Auckland

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A man sought in connection with the ongoing Queen Street homicide investigation in August will appear in court today.

Sione Tu’uholoaki

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton, Auckland City CIB, says the 24-year-old man previously sought by Police handed himself in at Auckland Central Police station this morning, following a shooting on the evening of 3 August 2023.

“He is expected to appear on murder and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm charges in the Auckland District Court today.”

Police confirmed in August the victim was 26-year-old Tongan, Sione Tuuholoaki.

Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton says Police thank the wider community for sharing our appeal as part of this investigation.

“I would also like to highlight the work of the Auckland City CIB who have been investigating this matter for the past 15 weeks.”

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, and we cannot rule out further charges being laid.

In October, police arrested arrested a woman linked to the investigation.

The 23-year-old woman is allegedly an accomplice to the alleged killer.

Two men charged in relation to murder of Tongan man in Auckland

By
Kalino Latu
-

Pt England homicide: Man charged in relation to death of Charles Pongi

Auckland City Police have today charged a man in relation to the death of Charles Pongi in Pt England in August 2023.

Charles Pongi

A homicide investigation was launched earlier this year following the death of the 32-year-old, who was alleged to have been shot when more than 70 gang members from the Head Hunters, Rebel MCs, and associates converged on the Taurima Reserve in Pt England on 5 August for an intended brawl.

Early this morning detectives, supported by the Armed Offenders Squad, executed five search warrants across Tāmaki Makaurau.

Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin, of Auckland City CIB, says two men were located and taken into custody without incident.

“A 24-year old man from Mount Albert has since been charged with murder, assault, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

“The second man, a 26-year-old from Weymouth, has been charged with discharging a firearm with intent to intimidate, and unlawful possession with a firearm, which Police allege was part of the significant violence at the suburban park on 5 August.”

Both men are due to appear in the Auckland District Court today.

Detective Inspector Baldwin says the Police investigation remains ongoing.

“Police would like to thank the Pt England community for their patience and their support while we have been making enquiries into this incident.

“The Operation Pastel team remains committed to holding further individuals to account,” Detective Inspector Baldwin says. 

Police continue to ask anyone with information which may assist the investigation to contact us on 105 quoting the file number 230805/0100 or by going online to https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105

We are also reminding the public Police have set up a secure portal which people can anonymously upload any images and footage.

This can be accessed by going to https://pastel.nc3.govt.nz/

Information can also be provided anonymously on 0800 555 111 via Crime Stoppers.

Will king stay clear of Lulutai airlines controversy and decline to launch new aircraft?

By
Kalino Latu
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KANIVA COMMENT: Will the king launch Lulutai airline’s new Twin Otter?

King Tupou VI

It is normal protocol for the king to launch new aircraft or big government projects.

Kaniva News understands the airline has bought the eight years-old 19-seat DeHavilland Canada Twin Otter for about US$6.5 million.

It is understood that in May this year Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade awarded a contract to support a Twin Otter in Tonga.

But will His Majesty be happy to launch the aircraft? Relations between the palace and the government have not been good. He is yet to appoint Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku’s proposed Cabinet Ministers.

READ MORE:

The government’s involvement in the private sector was one of the things the king mentioned when he chastised the Tu’ionetoa government in 2021.

Critics believe the king is still unhappy with the government’s continued involvement with the airlines while at the same time private companies have been vying to operate it, including Fly Niu.

His Majesty may also wish to distance himself from the controversy that has surrounded the airline since it began operations. The purchase of the Twin Otter has been the latest episode in that controversy.

It appears the Twin Otter is dependent entirely on Australian aid and support. It is not entirely clear whether the purchase of the aircraft was organised or subsidised by Australia. We have previously asked  Lulutai’s CEO, Poasi Tei, to confirm of who funded the purchase of the aircraft.

Having sat in China for several weeks, the twin engined passenger aircraft  arrived in Australia at the end of October and was due to fly to Tonga last Friday.

The Australian government had provided the Tongan government with Aus$1.25 million to help with transporting the aircraft, training staff and ensuring its entry into service.

Since 2022 Australia has organised a wet-lease arrangement with Fiji Airways to operate regular flights while Lulutai’s fleet is grounded.

Australia has been working with Lulutai Airlines to develop a long-term sustainable business plan, but full  details are yet to emerge.

Lulutai has faced continual pressure from the Tongan public during the past 18 months, since technical problems affected flights from Tongatapu to the outer islands of Ha’apai and Vava’u.

For more information

Lulutai Airlines to receive new aircraft
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Tropical Cyclone Mal: ‘Likely to intensify’ into category 3 as Fiji prepares for ‘worst case scenario’

By
Kalino Latu
- 
By Kelvin Anthony of rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

The Fiji Meteorological Service says Tropical Cyclone Mal is “likely to intensify” into a category 3 system as it approaches the Fiji Group on Tuesday night.

Tropical Cyclone Mal threat map at 12pm on Tuesday, 14 November. Photo: Fiji Meteorological Service

“The current analysis indicates that destructive Category 3 winds are likely to be confined close to the centre of the system over open waters,” the weather office said.

“However, if the system moves closer to the land areas in comparison to the current expected path, hurricane force winds could also be experienced over the land areas.

“Gale to storm force winds are expected over the land areas of Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups from later this afternoon or evening and spread over the rest of the country overnight, especially over western and southern Viti Levu, Vatulele, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.”

A heavy rain and flash flood warning remains in force for the low-lying and flood prone areas across all of Viti Levu.

The Fiji Roads Authority is also reporting several roads and crossings affected from flooding.

Controlled movement

In a news conference on Tuesday afternoon, National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) director Vasiti Soko said cyclone Mal would move closer to the western part of Fiji in the next few hours.

“As it moves closer to Fiji, there is high possibility that it will likely intensify as it approaches the Fiji Group tonight. As TC Mal approaches the western division rainfall will continue to increase. The system will pass through Fiji later tomorrow,” she said.

She said Fiji Met Service has also confirmed that although Category 2, members of the public should brace for windspeeds of 120km/h from Tuesday afternoon.

“High tidal waves measuring nine metres in open waters is anticipated and around four metres is expected in our coastal areas. Therefore, making coastal communities very vulnerable for coastal inundation. Most activities are expected overnight.”

Soko confirmed the Emergency Committee has decided that “there will be controlled movement in place from 6pm today (Tuesday) to 4am (Wednesday) for high risk areas”.

“In other words we will work closely with Fiji Police to limit the movement of people during this period to ensure safety of our people,” she said, adding that is not a curfew but “police coming coming in to control moving of people with regard to their safety”.

“We are preparing for the worst case scenario.

“If there’s is something that we want to achieve out of this – is no fatality. We are trying our best to have no loss of lives from this controlled movement.”

Soko said there are eight evacuation centres active with almost 300 evacuees residing across the central, western and eastern divisions.

“Each of these evacuation centres is manned by two police officers – one male and one female – are always on standby to ensure safety of our vulnerable groups.”

She said businesses in the capital had also confirmed that they would cease all operations.

Schools have been closed for Tuesday and Wednesday with external exams for Year 12 and 13 postponed to next week.

Public servants have been instructed to work from home and the Fijian government has confirmed that it has paid the salaries of all government workers in advance.

“Civil servants can now access their pay from midday [Tuesday], 14 November. This includes both established salary staff and government wage earners,” Finance Ministry permanent secretary Shiri Gounder said.

Nausori health centre down

The Health Ministry said the Nausori Health Centre outpatient department has been “temporarily suspended”.

“Patients seeking outpatient care should visit Wainibokasi Hospital, which is open 24 hours a day, or Nakasi Health Centre, which is open until 8pm at night,” it said in a statement.

“Emergency Cases and Maternity Cases only will continue to be seen at the Nausori Health Centre Maternity Unit foyer.

“Health facilities that are open at this time in the Nausori and Nasinu areas: Makoi Health Centre (open until 10pm daily) and Valelevu Health Centre (open 24hrs daily).

“For medical emergencies, members of the public in the Nausori and Nasinu areas are encouraged to go to their nearest health facility for immediate medical care.”

Evac centres on standby

FBC News reports over 450 evacuation centres are on standby.

Commissioner Western Apolosi Lewaqai told the state broadcaster that 70 percent of the centres “are established within schools, demonstrating a community-wide effort to provide safe havens for those who may be affected by the impending cyclone”.

“For our families, parents, we note that there will be no school for the next two days. We ask that you please monitor and supervise your children. And for the general public for those that are in the low-lying areas, we kindly request you to please start moving while it’s still daylight,” he said.Tropical Cyclone Mal strengthens to category 2 systemFiji has its first tropical cyclone for the season, a category-one systemBridges and crossings flooded – Fiji braces for cyclone

Tongatapu burglar caught red handed and beaten

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Neighbours caught a man in the act of burgling at a house in Nuku‘alofa.

Two men had apparently broken in through the window and began gathering valuables when they became aware of approaching by neighbours.

One of the men fled the scene and escaped, report on Facebook alleged.

Photos posted to Facebook seen by Kaniva News showed a shirtless and shoeless man with blood on his face was being withheld by a woman while another man standing facing him.

The accused was reportedly beaten up before he was warned.

The post appeals to residents of Kolomotu’a and the whole of Tongatapu to watch out for anything suspicious.

Meanwhile, Police have arrested a burglar who was reported to have been responsible for several burglars and thefts at Tofoa.

Reports said Uepi Latu was currently in custody at Hu’atolitoli prison awaiting court appearance.

Tonga Rugby League employee jailed for stealing $34,000 from Australian funds

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A woman  who used her employer’s bank card to steal around $34,000 has been jailed.

Employee steals $34,000 from Tonga National Rugby League

Seinivunga Sanetify Ki Loto Tatau Lafo’ou, 30, was sentenced to 20-months imprisonment, partially suspended, for forgery and theft from National Rugby League Tonga (NRL).

The court was told the money was taken from a bank account in 46 systematic unauthorised withdrawals over 13-months.

The funds stolen were a grant from the Government of Australia for the development of NRL in Tonga

In 2021, NRL office created an account with the Bank of the South Pacific Limited Tonga in the name of Tavakesina Fangupo.

Mr Fangupo is the Country Manager of the NRL Tonga Community Outreach Program.

Miss Lafo’ou, who pleaded guilty to one count of theft, was employed at the NRL head office situated at Ma’ufanga.

The debit card for the relevant account was locked in Lafo’ou’s office. The pin number for the said debit card was known only to Fangupo and Lāfo’ou.

On l December 2022, when Fangupo went to pay the office rent, he discovered he could not make the payment due to insufficient funds in the account.

He enquired at the bank and received a bank statement revealing withdrawals from various ATM machines in the Nuku’alofa and Ma’ufanga area between the months of October, 2021 to November, 2022 amounting to $34,300.00.

Fangupo contacted Lāfo’ou and arranged a meeting to discuss the transactions.   

On 2 December 2022, Lāfo’ou gave Fangupo a letter from Ms ‘Amelia ‘Asi, her co-worker, admitting to withdrawing the money. She was attempting to frame ‘Asi for the theft.

Fangupo met with ‘Amelia who admitted responsibility for one withdrawal under the directions of Lāfo’ou. She confirmed to Fangupo that she did not give the defendant a confession letter for the withdrawals.

Fangupo lodged a complaint about the missing funds with the police on 15 December.

Justice Tupou  convicted Lāfo’ou for theft and is sentenced to 18 months imprisonment.

Two months from the sentence for the forgery is added to the headcount resulting in a final sentence of 20 months imprisonment.

The final 12 months of her sentence is suspended for a period of 2 years from the date of her release from prison on the condition that during that period she is to:

(a) not commit any offence punishable by imprisonment;

(b) be placed on probation;

(c) contact the probation office within 48 hours of her release and thereafter according to directions provided by the probation officer.

Failure to comply with those conditions may result in the suspension being rescinded and the Defendant being required to serve the balance of her prison term.

In the result, and subject to those conditions and any remissions available under the Prisons Act, the Defendant will be required to serve 8 months in prison.

The judge also said: “The Defendant is to be given credit for any time spent in custody on remand for the charges the subject of these proceedings”.

Large fire at Nuku‘alofa commercial building

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A blaze in commercial buildings in Nuku‘alofa reached third-alarm status overnight.

Emergency services were first called to the building at the corner of One Way and Uelingatoni roads in Kolofo’ou at around midnight, reports said.  

A streamer who livestreamed the incident on Facebook claimed the buildings included Teta Tours’ office and former Loni theatre, two of the Nuku’alofa long serving businesses in the capital.  

“Leave it to the government” says Deputy PM as MP Eke slams plight of families in tents

By
Kalino Latu
-

The government has no plans to build houses for the tsunami victims now living in tents at ‘Atatā Si’i.

Tents set up at ‘Atatā Si’i after government ordered tsunami victims to move from a hall they were staying in for about two years after the Hungas deadly eruption. Photo/Kaniva Tonga News

As Kaniva News reported recently, a group of people who survived the tsunami had been living in a church hall, even while other people from the original village of ‘Atatā had been moved into new houses.

They were recently ordered by the government to move to ‘Atatā Si’i and live in tents.

Deputy Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu told the Legislative Assembly the houses of the 19 families who were moved to ‘Atatā Si’i  had not been damaged by the tsunami. 

Hon. Vaipulu said the assessment report for the reconstruction projects was based on those whose houses had been damaged. He told the House the ‘Atatā Si’i estate holder had provided land for the tsunami victims and that the government was looking for funding.

“Leave it for the government to figure out what to do for these people.,” Hon. Vaipulu said.

He said the estate holder has given land for the people, but the government was looking for funding.

Former Finance Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke asked Vaipulu to confirm when the people living in tents would have houses built if they had been given land.

The Deputy Prime Minister said if money could be photocopied  the houses would have  already been built.

Responding, Hon. Eke told Vaipulu he had seen the budget and there was enough money to build the few houses needed. He said the people who had been told to live in tents did not know what the government panned for them.

He said he was baffled by the government’s plan to exclude these people from the government’s tsunami rebuilding plans as the island was in a “red zone”. Hon. Eke said these people should not be allowed to go back to ‘Atatā. He questioned why the government considered returning them to the island.

“They saw the deadly wave,” he said, referring to the devastating experience they faced on the day the tsunami struck the island.

“These people did not want to return” to ‘Atatā, Hon. Eke said.

The victims were described as living in a state of constant apprehension (“nofo ‘i lelenga”).  The House was told the people had faced problems while living in the hall,  including at one stage having the electricity disconnected. It is understood the power bills were paid by the government’s National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO).

The Deputy Prime Minister scolded NEMO in the House for failing to make sure the power bills were paid. The House was also told these Atatāans had often fallen out with the owner of the hall, which was the Siasi ‘O Tonga church.

Hon. Eke accused the government of failing to make sure these people were living harmoniously with the owners of the hall.

MP Tevita Puloka said one of the reasons these people were still living in Tongatapu was because there was no more school in the island.

The ‘Atatā people were first evacuated to ‘Isileli in Kolomotu’a and lived there temporarily before being moved to the Maliukuonga hall of the Siasi ‘o Tonga at Kapetā, Kolomotu’a.

Lulutai Airlines to receive new aircraft

By
Kaniva Staff
- 
By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

Tonga’s Lulutai Airlines will soon be able to fly its new aircraft to service the country’s domestic route.

Lulutai Airlines de-Havilland Twin-Otter. Photo: Tonga High Commission Canberra

The Tonga High Commission Office in Canberra confirmed on Friday that the de-Havilland Twin-Otter was in Australia in the last week of October for final preparation before flying to Tonga to begin its service.

Tonga’s acting High Commissioner to Australia Curtis Tuihalangingie was able to inspect the aircraft on Thursday and confirmed the aircraft was leaving for Tonga on Friday.

The Australian government had provided the Tongan government with AU$1.25 million to help with transporting the aircraft, train pilots to fly it, purchase spare parts needed and ensure its smooth transition into servicing the people of Tonga.

Australia has been providing support to Lulutai Airlines since mid-2022 in critical areas, such as training for pilots and engineers, a wet-lease arrangement with Fiji Airways to operate regular flights while their fleet was grounded for maintenance, as well as regional cooperation and collaboration with other Pacific Island airlines.

They are also working with Lulutai Airlines to develop a long-term sustainable business plan to support fleet growth as well as good reservations and sales system enhancements.

Tongan Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni had stated last month that the aircraft would help Lulutai meet the demands of local travel.

“This new aircraft is a much-needed boost to our current fleet and will help us keep families, communities, tourism operators and businesses connected,” he had said in a statement.

Australia’s High Commissioner to Tonga Rachael Moore said Australia is proud to partner with the Kingdom to support Lulutai Airlines achieve reliable, sustainable and safe domestic connectivity.

“The entry into service support will ensure Lulutai Airlines can start operating their new aircraft as soon as it arrives in Tonga,” she said in the statement.

“Reliable domestic air travel remains essential to Tonga’s economic recovery, development and tourism.”

She said Australia remains committed to helping build a stronger Pacific family and to navigate shared challenges together.

Lulutai has been under a lot of pressure from the Tongan public over the last 18 months, following technical problems to their aircrafts, affecting flights from Tongatapu to the outer islands of Ha’apai and Vava’u.

One of the company’s aircraft was grounded last year for three months for repairs and maintenance, with Fiji Airways stepping in to serve the domestic route.

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