15 March 2024

The Ministry of Health will begin urgent works at Vaiola Hospital to upgrade the facility’s wastewater and sewerage system.

Today, Minister for Health Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola and Australian High Commissioner, HE Rachael Moore, together with CEO of Ministry of Finance, Kilistina Tuaime’api, signed an arrangement for Australia to provide AUD2million to the Ministry of Health for the rectification works.

H.E. Moore said that Australia was pleased to fund the upgrades as part of Australia’s twenty-year commitment to improving the delivery of health services in Tonga.

“After experiencing challenges with blockages and overflows, in 2023 and at the request of the Ministry of Health, Australia commissioned a technical review of the wastewater system within the hospital buildings and identified urgent rectification.”

“We were able to work with the Ministry of Health last year to install septic tanks and undertake minor works, but today’s agreement means we can fully rectify the issues and protect wellbeing. We thank the Ministry of Health for their commitment to action.”

Minister for Health, Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola welcomed the funding.

“The Ministry of Health acknowledges that these essential works will contribute to the sanitation of the hospital which is critical to patient health.”

The works are expected to take 18 months to complete and involve the design, supply and installation of the entire sewerage infrastructure to bring it back into a fully functioning condition.