Residents of Tungua island in Ha’apai are celebrating the handover of 17 new houses, a significant milestone under the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai Recovery Project. The Ministry of Infrastructure (MOI) announced the completion and distribution of these homes last Friday, marking a crucial step in rebuilding the community following the devastating tsunami on January 15, 2022.
The project manager, Poasi Misi, represented the MOI at the event, with Lord Tu’iha’ateiho and Lady Tu’iha’ateiho as guests of honour. Lord Tu’iha’ateiho personally handed over the keys to the new homeowners, bringing joy and relief to the island’s roughly 200 residents.
The catastrophic eruption of the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai volcano triggered tsunami waves as high as 15 meters, striking Tongatapu, ‘Eua, and Ha’apai. Tungua suffered significant damage, with two minor injuries reported on the island. Official reports recorded two deaths in Ha’apai as a result of the tsunami, one from Nomuka island and the other from Mango.
The new homes represent a fresh start for many families, restoring a sense of normalcy and security in the wake of the disaster.
The reconstruction effort involved several contractors, including Kiwi Tonga, Vakameilalo Constructions, and Onoiki Constructions.
