The Government’s Affordable Housing Project, known as the Tapanekale Housing Project, is set to provide homes to nine additional families before Christmas, following its mission to address extreme poverty.
Launched in January 2024, the initiative aligns with the United Nations’ first Sustainable Development Goal to eradicate poverty.
It aims to uplift families through sustainable housing, better health and education, and employment opportunities.
The project was approved in April 2023 and initially targeted 200 households due to financial constraints, drawn from the 2021 census identifying 578 households in extreme poverty.

To date, 12 families have moved into their homes, with seven more houses under construction and contracts for over 20 additional homes being finalized. Fifty container houses that were used for the Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting accommodation will also be distributed soon.
Families receive container-modified houses with essential amenities, designed for small and large households.
A major hurdle has been land ownership confirmation, but alternative solutions are in progress. “It is quite sad to see our very own people and children living in these conditions,” said a project team member.
Efforts continue to improve livelihoods, health, and education to eradicate extreme poverty in Tonga.