Japan GGP handover ceremony of the Multipurpose Training Center for Lofanga Island Featured
H.E Mr. Yukio Numata with Hon. Mo’ale Finau, Governor of Ha’apai, Viliami Manuopangai Hingano, People’s Representative for Ha’apai Constituency #12, and Mr. Molitoni Paongo Town Office and Chairperson of Lofanga’s Community Committee at the new Multi-purpose Training Centre.
12 July 2016. On Wednesday, 6 of July 2016, the Government of Japan and the people of Lofanga Island in Ha’apai, celebrated the handover ceremony of an Upgraded Multipurpose Training Center funded through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects, GGP.
His Excellency Mr. Yukio Numata, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Tonga visited Lofanga for the first time to attend the handover ceremony, and received warm welcome from Hon. Mo’ale Finau, Governor of Ha’apai and Mr. Viliami Manuopangai Hingano, People’s Representatives for Ha’apai Constituency # 12 and the people of Lofanga.
The Ambassador congratulated the completion of the Project which had been implemented to rebuild the community hall that was damaged but had successively served as a shelter through the Tropical Cyclone Ian in 2014 that resulted in Japan’s assistance to the Island.
“The multipurpose center will not only provide shelter in times of natural disasters, but will also be a space for awareness programs to empower your community, and providing ample areas for activities enriching your everyday lives,” stated the Ambassador.
Hon. Moale Finau, Governor of Ha’apai on behalf of the people of Lofanga and the Government of Tonga acknowledge the generous assistance from the people and Government of Japan. He also asked the people of Lofanga to take good care of the new facility for the benefit of more generations to come.
The Lofanga Community Committee sought for assistance in 2014 prioritizing a safe and stable gathering space for almost 120 population, in times of disasters.
Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects was introduced in 1989, and the last GGP for Lofanga Island was in 2008, upgrading the villages water supply system.
Japans assistance epitomize commitment to support efforts by the People and the Government of Tonga to achieve its National Strategic Planning Framework, and also hope to strengthen the warm and close relations between the people and the Government of Japan and the people of the Kingdom of Tonga.
-Embassy of Japan
