Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi says the new cabinet is committed to addressing pressing national concerns, including government spending, infrastructure, and Tonga’s growing drug problem.
Speaking to Broadcom Radio before the new Cabinet’s first press conference on Thursday, Fusimalohi revealed the team’s dedication to revisiting past issues raised by the public. “This cabinet team is committed to paying attention to what people are concerned with,” he said.
Key issues include parliamentary matters, public debate and petitions, Lulutai Airlines, disaster recovery activities, and the Tonga Development Bank.
Cabinet’s first meeting the same day approved a set of priority tasks, with a focus on financial prudence to benefit taxpayers. “A good new budget” is a top priority, along with improving state-owned enterprises and civil service efficiency.
The government will also review its national strategy, aligning it with United Nations goals, while advancing infrastructure development.
Fusimalohi also said that urgent action will be taken to combat Tonga’s drug crisis.
With the general election set for November, he believes progress on these key tasks can be achieved within the short term. “If we do a good job, then it can be done in those few months in office,” he said.
Fusimalohi is the minister for Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Communications, and Climate Change (MEIDECC) as well as Infrastructure.