In parliament yesterday, Ha’apai 12 representative Mo’ale Finau raised concerns over delays in government construction work, emphasising the urgent need for action due to rising sea levels damaging homes in his constituency. Finau said affected residents are being forced to relocate to safer areas.
The government has yet to confirm when construction will start. Finau said that planned works include coastal areas of Hihifo and Pangai. He is aware of $1.2 million paanga allocated for the project, but Minister of Infrastructure, Hon. Seventeen Toumo’ua clarified that this funding is shared between coastal areas in Tongatapu and Ha’apai.
Noble Representative Lord Tu’iha’angana urged prioritisation of the project, describing the situation in Lifuka as an “emergency.”
Minister of MEIDECC, Hon. Fekita Utoikamanu, explained that government is expecting additional funds from the Green Climate Fund for these works. She also noted the extremely high cost of foreshore construction, estimating USD$1 million per kilometer.
