HM King Tupou VI officially opens Vava’u Emergency Coordination Center ^Featured

The new center is expected to contribute to the resilient and sustainable economic and social development of Tonga through the strengthening early warning systems.

Prime Minister of Tonga Hon. Rev. Dr. Pohiva Tuíónetoa welcomed their Majesties and presented the overview of the Project. He said that Vava’u, like the rest of Tonga, is vulnerable to hazards that have caused serious destruction such as tropical cyclones, earthquakes and tsunamis, which can cause damages to people, their livelihoods, environment, and the development of Vava’u.

“This Center is primarily to strengthen early warnings and preparedness to withstand and be resilient to the negative impacts of hazards and emergencies; and to minimise the possibilities of damages to occur. It is 594 square meters, and is equipped with hi-tech equipment. The Meteorological Department and the National Emergency Management Office will work collaboratively to achieve its objectives.”

The World Bank representative Mrs. Natalia Palu Latu outlined the objective of the project as a “multifaceted approach and plan, both at the regional and national level to strengthen multi hazard early warning systems, support resilient investments to meet internationally recognized standards and financial protection for Tonga.”

The facility was co-funded by the World Bank; Global Environment Facility; Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) through the Japan- Bank Program for Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Management and the Government of Tonga and implemented under the Pacific Resilience Programme (PREP) at a value of TOP$1,952,303.04.

The centre is equipped with office equipment valued at TOP$152,411.14. It is intended that this center will continue to be developed so that in the event of failure or partial failure of the Fua’amotu Warning Centre or the NEMO, the Vava’u Emergency Coordination Center will be the backup center where national warnings and response for Tonga will originate and operate from.

The Design and Supervision Firm was ITS Pacific Tonga Limited, and the Contractor was the Puloka Construction Ltd. The construction took 13 months to complete and is built to Important Level 4 (IL4) Standards which is a higher standard of construction to ensure the building will be able to withstand severe weather events and earthquakes.

The event was also attended by Diplomatic Corps; Ministers of the Cabinet; Government’s Chief Executives, Directors, and Officers in Charge; Nobles of the Realm; members of the Clergy; District and Town Officers; MEIDECC employees; and PREP PMU members were also present to celebrate this momentous occasion.

The building is a two story facility and will operate under the auspices of the Ministry of MEIDECC.

- MEIDECC