Prime Minister Dr. ‘Aisake Valu Eke announced at a press conference last Friday a shift in the management of the National Museum project.
The government has decided to transfer responsibility from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Tourism, with the Ministry of Infrastructure overseeing construction and the Ministry of Finance managing funds.
The government awarded the building contract, worth 11.9 million paʻanga, to Puloka Construction last November.
Dr. Eke expressed concerns about maintaining the trust of foreign donors, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that funds are utilized appropriately. He said this realignment aims to uphold donor confidence and guarantee the project’s success.
The National Museum project, initially overseen by the Ministry of Education under former Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni, is set to be constructed on the historic grounds of Fa’onelua Park.
The government wants to ensure that the National Museum becomes a cornerstone of cultural preservation and tourism in Tonga.
