A huge development project has been announced for Vava’u with a US$121 million redevelopment of Lupepau’u Airport as the country’s largest airport, with a new extended 2,700 meters runway, and a 8,000 square meter terminal and cargo facility.
The planned new runway will be capable of accommodating long range aircraft, and would turn Vava’u as the tourism hub and destination in Tonga.
The developer and project facilitator is the UK registered company Raw Mana that has a managerial team including Tongan nationals Havea Gatti (CEO) and former Tongan rugby international, Sililo Martens (CCO). Other officers include New Zealander Miriama Mahuika (COO), and Neil Hodson (CFO) from the UK.
A Government media release says that “Raw Mana, is a global construction and services group specializing in civil engineering, renewable energy, international airport and port developments was chosen to lead the project after being referred to the Tongan Government.”
A press release from the company says that private investment will be secured “removing any requirement for funding from the Government.”
This project promises to provide Vava’u with direct flight access from high value destinations like New Zealand, Australia, USA, UAE, and key Asian markets like Japan and China.
It was reported that two 5-star hotels were interested in investment in Vava’u for their hotel chains, but they require there be an international airport built for direct flight access from overseas.
Vava’u is promoted as one of the most beautiful South Pacific tourism destinations.
A multi-megawatt renewable energy plant is being considered as part of the development to power the airport.
The infrastructural revenue expected from this project is unparalleled with anything else in the country, and the employment prospects for locals will be a huge boost to the economy, not only during construction but more so after completion and operation of tourism businesses.
Raw Mana however has only been registered in the UK for a year, and as yet there are no projects they can show as something they have built anywhere in the world. Despite this, the Government of Tonga has given their approval in principle, and the Monarch who owns the land for the redevelopment is said to have given his nod.