ReliefWeb

27th June 2016 - On Wednesday, 22 June 2016, the Government of Japan and the people of Niuatoputapu celebrated the commissioning of the Upgraded Water Supply System for the villages of Hihifo, Vaipoa and Falehau of Niuatoputapu, funded through the Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects, GGP.

His Excellency Mr. Yukio Numata, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Tonga, along with Hon. Fe’aomoeata Vakata, Minister for Internal Affairs and the People’s Representatives for the Niua Islands, attended the commissioning ceremony held in Hihifo village, and was greeted with great enthusiasm by the people of the three villages.

His Excellency Mr. Numata congratulated the completion of the Project and reiterated in his keynote address that Japan’s GGP Projects are implemented to have the maximum effects in solving various challenges local communities face. Noting that it has been 15 years since the last GGP Project was conducted on the island, the Ambassador stated that “I am happy that the Japanese Embassy was able to assist the people of this beautiful island once again by providing clean and safe water, a vital element for human life.”

Hon. Fe’aomoeata Vakata, on behalf of the people of Niuatoputapu thanked the people and Government of Japan for the generous assistance. “Thank you for the kind support and the valuable assistance in building all of the water supply system for all of Niuatoputapu.” said Hon. Vakata. These projects for Niuatoputapu were first sought for in 2013 by the Village Water Committees of Hihifo, Vaipoa and Falehau in order to reconstruct their communities gravely damaged by the Tsunami caused by the 2009 Samoa Earthquake.Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects was introduced in 1989.

Ten GGP projects have now being implemented in Niuatoputapu, since the first project on the island in 1999. Japans assistance epitomize commitment to support efforts by the People and the Government of Tonga to ensure Human Security, and also hope to strengthen the warm and close relations between the people and the Government of Japan and the people of the Kingdom of Tonga.

Attachment: Project Factsheet

Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP)
Project Fact Sheet
Project Name The Project for Upgrading of Water Supply System for Hihifo VillageRecipient Hihifo Village Water Committee(Mr. ‘Ofa HALAPUA /Chairperson)
Grant Amount USD$100,940.00(TOP$169,986.90)
Contractor ST PlumbingProject Outline;– 2x Solar Pump System
– 2x Pump House
– 2x Fence
– 2x Pipes
– Training at Tonga Business Enterprise Center

Project Name The Project for Upgrading of Water Supply System for Vaipoa VillageRecipient Vaipoa Village Water Committee(Mr. Heneli SIMILAI/Chairperson)
Grant Amount USD$103,110.00(TOP$152,462.20)
Contractor ST Plumbing (Mr. Sione Toli)Project Outline;– 1x Solar Pump System
– 1x Water Tank (5000GL)
– 2x Tank Stand
– 1x Pump House
– Fence
– Pipes
– Training at Tonga Business Enterprise Center

Project Name The Project for Upgrading of Water Supply System for Falehau VillageRecipient Falehau Village Water Committee(Mr. Viliami MAEA /Chairperson)
Grant Amount USD$117,901.00(TOP$197,202.95)
Contractor ST PlumbingProject Outline– 1x Solar Pump System
– 1x Diesel Pump Unit
– 1x Water Tank (5000GL)
– 2x Tank Stand
– 1x Pump house
– Fence
– Pipes
– Training at Tonga Business Enterprise Center

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