Government working to complete Forum Building

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With six weeks to go until the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders’ meeting, the government is rushing to finalise preparations for the meeting, which was originally scheduled for August 26-30.

Prime Minister Sovaleni told the media last week that the Tonga High School Indoor Sports Hall, which is still under construction, will be the centerpiece of the conference. The government plans to complete the construction of the venue and accommodation for delegates by early August.

Prefabricated houses are being built in Tonga for the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum. Photo courtesy of MOI — Prefabricated buildings being built for the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum. In the background can be seen the Tonga High School Indoor Stadium currently under construction. Photo – MOI

Prefabricated houses made from shipping containers are being built at several locations: 16 on Wahaakolo Road, 30 on Kausela Road and more than 30 in Sope, all in the Nuku’alofa area. There are also 60 houses in Popua, a five-minute drive east of Nuku’alofa, which will later be used as a hotel to boost tourism. The Prime Minister also noted that 300 private homes across Tongatapu will rent rooms for the event.

After the forum, 50 houses will be allocated to the poor under the Tapanekale Housing Project, while the rest will be sold by Tonga Asset Management.