Parliament has unanimously passed the 2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill, allocating an additional $31 million to fund critical government projects.
This amount has been reduced by $2 million from the initial $33 million announced by Finance Minister Dr. ‘Aisake Eke in a press conference last Friday.
Eke detailed the allocations, including $300,000 for the final stage of Pangai foreshore construction, $2 million for shares in Lulutai Airline, and $5.3 million for Tonga Development.
The budget also provides continued financial support for 3,600 students under the World Bank’s SET Project, set to conclude in June 2025.
An additional $2 million is allocated to the Emergency Fund, and $5 million is designated for the student loan scheme.
Funds are also earmarked to complete housing for individuals displaced by the 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption, along with $10 million for road infrastructure improvements.
The Public Accounts Committee has thoroughly reviewed the Bill. Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr. Eke, confirmed that its provisions will be closely monitored to ensure effective implementation.
