With six weeks remaining until the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders meeting, the government is in a hurry to finish preparations for the event, scheduled for 26 – 30 August.
Prime Minister Sovaleni told the media last week that the Tonga High School indoor stadium, which is still under construction, will be the centre for the meeting. The government aims to complete both the venue and accommodation for delegates by early August.
Prefab houses, made from containers, are being built at multiple locations: 16 on Vaha’akolo Road, 30 on Kausela Road, and over 30 at Sopu, all within the Nuku’alofa area. An additional 60 houses in Popua, a 5 minutes drive east of Nuku’alofa, will later serve as a hotel to boost tourism. The PM also noted that 300 rooms in private homes across Tongatapu will be rented for the event.
After the forum, 50 houses will be allocated to those living in poor conditions under the Tapanekale Housing project. The remaining houses will be sold by Tonga Asset Managers and Associates.
