Boats presented to local communities who were affected by tsunami Featured
11 March, 2022. Government on Wednesday 9 February acknowledged the assistance of boats from New Zealand billionaire Graeme Hart and former Tongan Olympic Pita Taufatofua Jnr as Prime Minister, Honourable Hu’akavameiliku handed out five boats at Vuna Wharf here in Nuku’alofa to community representatives.
Mr. Hart had offered to assist the Government of Tonga in responding to the January 15 Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai volcanic eruptions and tsunami.
Hon. Hu’akavameiliku thanked Mr. Hart during the presentation ceremony this morning and acknowledged the presence of local representative Ms. Salote Sisifa.
“I would like to acknowledge Mr. Hart for his assistance and this will go towards helping our community members who suffered during the January 15 event return to some form of normalcy as they will now be able to go out fishing,” the Hon. Hu’akavameiliku said.
The first lot of six boats arrived last week. One was taken to Nomuka island in Ha’apai at the weekend. Of the five presented today one was given to the Mango community currently being relocated temporarily to Nuku’alofa, and one each to Sopu, Fasi, Patangata, ‘Atata.
Hon. Hu’akavameiliku also acknowledged Mr. Taufatofua Jnr and confirmed that eight boats were received from him.
Of the eight boats one has been taken to ‘Eueiki and seven to Ha’apai.
The boats to Ha’apai is being transported across from Nuku’alofa on the Australian naval vessel HMAS Canberra.
The boats were constructed in Fiji and comes with motor-board engines.
Safety equipment were donated by the National Emergency and Management Office and Communication Department of the Ministry of MEIDECC.
Present at the presentation ceremony were Cabinet Ministers, community reps and Members of Parliament.
Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga Minister Rev. Tevita To’a blessed the new boats.
