Japan’s Ambassador to Tonga, H.E. Mr. INAGAKI Hisao, handed over the first batch of Japan’s Non-Project Grant Aid (NPGA) assistance to Waste Authority Limited (WAL) and the Tonga Water Board (TWB) today at Matatoa head office.
The NPGA projects, valued at 650 million Japanese Yen (approx. $6 million USD), aim to support Tonga’s recovery following the Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha’apai volcanic eruption and tsunami in January 2022.
“Although these events occurred two years ago, their lasting impact continues to influence our current strategies and initiatives,” said Ambassador Inagaki.
The delivered assets include cargo trucks, cargo crane trucks, excavators, loaders, dump trucks, and water pumps. The equipment will be distributed between WAL, TWB, and outer islands.
Mr. Tapu Panuve, Chairman of the Joint Board of the Utility Sector, expressed gratitude to Japan, highlighting the grant’s importance in rebuilding resilient infrastructure and promoting sustainable resource management.
This is the first of four scheduled deliveries.
