8th December, 2017 Yesterday morning Waste Authority Ltd (WAL) received five vehicles worth USD$65000.00 from Japan’s Aid Grant Assistance for Grass- roots Human Security Project (GGP), Japanese Ambassador HE Mr. Tetasuya Ishii handed over the vehicles to Waste Authority at the Tonga High School Rugby Field.
The assistance included 3 waste collections vehicle: 1 Dump truck; 1 septic truck for Ha’apai and Vava’u.
HE Mr Tetasuya Ishii said, “These vehicles will be a key component in establishing a reliable waste management service in Vava’u and Ha’apai and it’s a step towards preserving the beauty of both island groups”.
“This GGP project has successfully implemented over 260 projects in Tonga aimed to address the challenges that the people of Tonga faces. The project is in cooperation with the JICA J-PRISM projects which is implemented throughout the Pacific Region for the development of an effective and sustainable waste management system”
Ambassador Ishii stated that, “The current efforts to aid the island nations of the Pacific in establishing a firm waste management system is in accordance with the Seventh Pacific Island Leaders Meeting (PALM7) of 2015 and must be strengthened.
“We can also contribute to the efforts in accordance with the Government of Tonga’s goals in the ‘Tonga Strategic Development Framework of 2015-2025’ for ensuring a “Cleaner environment and less pollution from households and business activities building on improved waste management, minimization and recycling ,making conditions safer, healthier and more pleasant for residents and visitors”
Hon. Minister for Health, Dr Saia Piukala said that the assistance enables us to establish a reliable waste management service for Tonga and makes a major contribution towards keeping Tonga Clean and Green
“This initiative will have an almost immediate positive impact to health services in the outlying islands when solid waste management responsibility changes from Ministry of Health to Waste Authority Ltd. The Ministry of Health will be able to focus more on its core healthcare responsibilities, aimed at providing Universal Health Coverage for all the people of Tonga”
Dr. Piukala also extended his support to the Waste Authority Ltd for the great work, service provided and the cooperation shown and also expressed his sincere gratitude to Ambassador Ishii and the people and Government of Japan for their on-going support
Dr. Piukala also extended his support to the Waste Authority Ltd for the great work, service provided and the cooperation shown and also expressed his sincere gratitude to Ambassador Ishii and the people and Government of Japan for their on-going support
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications.