Acting PM launched Niuafo’ou Water Tank Project Featured
6 July 2022. The Acting Prime Minister and Minister for MEIDECC Hon Poasi Tei launched Niuafo’ou Water Tank Project (NWTP) on June 30 in a ceremony at Niuafo’ou’s Government House, ‘Esia.
The NZ$565,000 project funded a total of 169 water tanks which will be distributed to nine communities, three government schools and government buildings. NWTP was managed by MEIDECC’s Department of Climate Change and co-financed by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Tindall Foundation
Hon Tei expressed his sincere gratitude to the Government of New Zealand and Tindall Foundation for their financial support to solve the problem of water shortage on the island due to the impact of climate change.
He noted that the project is a step in the right direction for the people of Niuafo’ou because they are vulnerable to drought in addition to their isolation from the main island and the lack of access to core services provided by the government.
He said NWTP will strengthen the island’s access to “safe drinking water”.
The Principal of Niuafo’ou High School Ms Losaline Taufalele also thanked New Zealand High Commissioner to Tonga H.E. Mr Matt Howell for making the island’s dream become a reality.
The ceremony was attended by the People’s Representative for Niua Mr Vatau Hui, CEO for MEIDECC Mr Paula Ma’u, Director for Climate Change Department Ms Lu’isa Tu’i’afitu Malolo.