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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) today joined the governments of Australia and Tonga in the opening of Pier 1, the latest milestone in the Nuku’alofa Port Upgrade Project.
Tonga’s Prime Minister Huakavameliku officiated at the ribbon-cutting and plaque-unveiling ceremony, which was also attended by Infrastructure Minister Severintini Tumoa, Asian Development Bank’s Director General for the Pacific, Leah Gutierrez, and Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, Blake Bartley.
“ADB highly appreciates its partnership with the Australian government to support Tonga in this important climate-resilient infrastructure investment,” said Gutierrez. “This transformational project will make maritime transport from Nuku’alofa to the outer islands safer and more reliable, including in response to extreme weather events, and will enhance Tonga’s connectivity to the region.”
“The Queen’s SIW connects Tonga to global trade. This milestone highlights the strong partnership between Australia, Tonga and the Asian Development Bank, strengthening the port’s resilience and sustainability,” Bartley said, highlighting the role of maritime infrastructure as the backbone of the island economy. “The Australian Government remains committed to investing in sustainable infrastructure, jobs, skills and connectivity in Tonga and across the Pacific to ensure prosperity for communities and future generations.”
Commenting on the impact of the wharf upgrades on the local community, Tumoa said: “The economic importance of Tonga’s ports to local industry, commerce and daily life cannot be underestimated and the Tongan Government is pleased to be working with Australia and the Asian Development Bank to make these much-needed upgrades a reality, with a focus on climate resilience.”
The project is part of Tonga’s ongoing commitment to rehabilitate and upgrade its transport infrastructure and has seen significant achievements including the completion of Phase 1, which included the construction of Mooring Wharf 1, Mooring Wharf 3, the berthing pier, the rehabilitation of Pier 1 and the development of pavement and other facilities such as stormwater, electrical, fire and freshwater systems.
The project was launched in 2020 and is funded by a $45 million grant from the Asian Development Fund, which provides grants to ADB’s poorest and most vulnerable developing member countries. In 2023, ADB approved an additional $10 million grant, and the Australian government donated $20 million through its Pacific Australia Infrastructure Financing Facility, bringing the total donor contribution to $75 million. The Government of Tonga also donated $8.5 million, bringing the total project value to $83.5 million.
Source: PACNEWS
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