Japan handover 2013 NPGA to Fire and Emergency Service Featured
Nuku'alofa, 16 June 2015. On June 11, the Government of Japan handover the second batch of the Non-Project Grant Aid for Provision of Japanese Small and Medium sized enterprises Products 2013 (hereafter, 2013 NPGA) to Tonga’s Fire and Emergency Services Department.
H.E. Mr. Yukio Numata handover the donated technical equipments to Hon. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa, Minister for Police, Fire & Emergency Services and Prisons during the handover ceremony held at the Fire and Emergency Services Headquarter, in Nuku’alofa.
H.E. Numata in his remarks emphasized that in February 2014 the Government of Japan endorsed this financial assistance as part of Japan’s ongoing response against the devastation caused by Cyclone Ian. “The purpose of this assistance is to strength Tonga’s resolve against the diverse social and economic challenges that are hampering progress,” stated Ambassador Numata.
The donated equipments at a total of $65million Japanese Yen (equivalent to 1 million pa’anga) included 150 waterproof fire fighter uniforms, 25 extension hoses with 5 engine pumps, 10 emergency lamp with attached generators, tents, chainsaws, ropes, sandbags and others.
Mr. Lofia Heimuli, Commissioner for Fire and Emergency Services said that the huge assistance from the Government of Japan is one that is not easy to get or come by. Mr. Heimuli also revealed that the 150 rain gear will be the first waterproof uniform set received by the Fire and Emergency Service Department of Tonga.
Hon. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa, Minister for Police, Fire & Emergency Services and Prison acknowledged the generous assistance of the people and the Government of Japan. The 2013 NPGS is expected to support Tonga’s efforts to implement the Tonga Strategic Development Framework, and portrays Japan’s determined commitments to contribute to the betterment of welfare of the People of the Kingdom of Tonga and the achievement of human security.
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