Minister for Infrastructure Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi told the media during a press conference last Friday that Tonga is grappling with an infrastructure development deficit of approximately $1 billion, covering critical sectors such as roads, wharves, and airports.
Fusimalohi said that one of the key infrastructure development focus areas is the repairing of roads regularly.
Fusimalohi explained that Tonga’s road network is categorized into six types, with Type 1 being the Taufa’ahau Road. The Ministry of Infrastructure (MOI) is prioritizing routine maintenance on the bypass road in Tongatapu, which has suffered significant damage from container truck traffic.
Routine maintenance is also planned for roads in Nuku’alofa, while periodic maintenance is slated for village roads, some of which are in disrepair and require resurfacing. These plans are pending cabinet approval.
Fusimalohi said that a levy on fuel imports, which has accumulated over $20 million, serves as the primary funding source for road maintenance. The Road Maintenance Fund, established under the Road Act 2020, is a revolving fund dedicated to financing these activities.
International partners fund maintenance for Type 1 roads, with a current project underway in Vava’u and a completed project in ‘Eua. The government focuses on maintaining road types 3 to 5, while villages are responsible for Type 6 roads, receiving government support with equipment.
These initiatives were highlighted during a briefing where Prime Minister Dr. ‘Aisake Valu Eke was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi and Minister for Agriculture Dr. Siosiua Halavatau.
