11 September 2023

Nuku’alofa- A donated equipment and goods for emergencies from the Government of Japan through Japan’s Non-Project Grant Aid(NPGA) for Tonga was handed over this afternoon to the Acting Minister of MEIDECC, Prime Minister, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku at Matatoa.

On behalf of the Government of Japan, His Excellency Mr. Kensaku Munenaga presented the equipment and goods stating that the assistance to NEMO is the provision of the first batch of equipment for practical disaster management under the scheme of Japan’s Non-Project Grant Aid(NPGA).

“This assistance is worth USD1.5 million and this first batch is worth USD230, 000. I am certain that all the equipment will be utilized wisely to guarantee better disaster prevention and resilience for Tonga.”

The first batch includes 170 protective gears, 199 loud-hailers, and 100 chainsaws. They will be deployed to town officers and district officers across the Kingdom.

His Excellency hoped that the equipment will strengthen people’s preparedness against disaster and reinforce the national early response measures during emergencies. The Nationwide Early Warning System commissioned last September is very important and useful for disaster risk reduction. The equipment provided will well prepared district and town officers to regularly conduct evacuation drills as preparations for disasters to save people’s lives.

The Hon Hu’akavameiliku in his remarks stated that the handover of equipment by the Government of Japan to Tonga, is a reflection of Japan and their people’s commitment towards building resilience of Pacific communities.

He mentioned that in 2015, Japan and Tonga signed on the NPGA, and through this partnership, Disaster Risk Reduction equipment and emergency supplies valued at approximately USD 2.5 million dollars have been provided to Tonga.

“Indeed, this partnership was a course of action following the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, where Tonga had made clear the call to strengthen preparedness and response capacities through provision of related equipment, and today, we are grateful to be receiving another shipment of prioritized disaster related equipment by our friends from Japan,” he said.

“In so many instances, the finger points to climate change making these disasters more ferocious and frequent. Therefore, it is our responsibility as your government to ensure that transformational transitions towards preparedness are prioritized, and this is only possible through partnerships like this.”

He thanked the Government of Japan, Ambassador Munenaga and his team for their unwavering support and trusted partnership.

“We are committed to nurturing and preserving the strong and enduring relations between our two governments and your invaluable support has been instrumental. We look forward to further collaboration and cooperation with you and the Government of Japan in the future.”

The handover ceremony was also attended by NEMO staff, Red Cross, Fire and Emergency Services and related organizations.