Ha'apai

Government depts and all schools on Ha’apai closed due to community cases

This follows the confirmation of community cases of Covid-19 in Ha’apai.

Hu’akavameiliku, who is also Minister of Education and Training, said the closure will enable the Ministry of Health team to do contact tracing, surveillance and do booster shots.

Ha’apai recorded positive cases within Managed Isolation Quarantine (MIQs) in the last week but this could be the first discovery of community cases in Ha’apai.

 

Photo file Tonga Airports caption: Salote Pilolevu Airport in Ha'apai 

 

 

 

 

     

Governors appointed for Tonga’s outer islands

The appointment came into effect on 28 December, 2021.

Mr. Taufatofua has succeeded the former incumbent, Viliami Manuopangai Hingano.

Lord Fakatulolo has been re-appointed as Governor of Vava’u.

A statement from the PM’s Office said, “Pursuant to clause 54 of the Tongan Constitution it states, “The King shall appoint Governors to Ha’apai and Vava’u on the advice of the Prime Minister.”

 

Photo file 

     

Tonga beach soccer referees upskill in Ha’apai

The workshop ran from September 13-17 and was conducted by FIFA Beach Soccer Referee Instructor and OFC Referee Development Officer Neil Poloso online via Zoom, with assistance from FIFA/OFC Referees Instructor and Tonga Football Association (TFA) Head of Refereeing Tevita Vea. 

OFC Head of Refereeing Kevin Stoltenkamp also offered support online throughout the course.  

The workshop was delivered in three parts, theoretical, practical and fitness, while they also reviewed the new amendments of the FIFA Beach Soccer Laws of the Game. 

Ha’apai wraps up a week-long intensive outrigger canoe carving training

The training has been a partnership between Local Government, IFAD and MORDI Tonga.

As the participants pack away their canoes to re-assemble in Ha’apai, many have shared their appreciation for such a training. The outer islands especially in Ha’apai are known to generate many skilled fisherman and over the years they have seen to the phasing out of traditional outrigger canoes in favor of modern modes of fishing including motorized boats and kayaks.

Tonga WCCC signs raise awareness about gender-based violence toll-free helpline

The launch was held Wednesday to coincide with the start of 16 days of activism to end all forms of violence against women and girls.

A WCCC release said more than 80% of women and girls in Ha'apai, who participated in WCCC's saturated ūloa community outreach indicated that they were aware of the centre but not of the toll-free call line 0800 4444,

Man dies after vehicle crashes into school fence in Tonga

The deceased who was the driver had two other passengers in his vehicle that crashed into the Ha'pai High School fence at around 8:40 am on Sunday.

The two other passengers sustained minor injuries and are recovering at the Fusipala Hospital.

This is the 5th road fatality for this year.

Police have confirmed in a statement that alcohol and speeding were contributing factors to the crash.

Investigations are continuing.

 

Photo source Kaniva News/ Sela Sausini Telefoni

 

     

Drought conditions in Tonga islands

The island did not receive the expected rain during the wet season and Tonga Met Services has issued a drought warning.

Rainfall in Niuafo’ou in the past six months have been below average.

According to Tonga Met Services, these conditions are expected to continue until at least July.

A drought alert has been issued for Niautoputapu, Vava’u and Ha’apai.

The Tonga Met Services said rainfall has been somewhat chaotic fluctuating between below average and above average in the past three months.

New power plants bring local jobs, and reliable energy to the Ha’apai and Niua islands

The Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) has signed a NZ$15 million contract for the project with Joint Venture partners, Infratec and its sister company NETcon.

The New Zealand based companies will engineer, procure and commission renewable energy power plants and distribution networks to deliver power to homes and community buildings on each of the islands, to be completed by mid-2022.

20 Tongan households damaged by Cyclone Ian in 2014 need assistance

Governor Rev Dr Mohenoa Puloka said these houses were damaged during the cyclone and now they still need the assistance, claiming the government only gave the victims of Ian materials for reconstruction such as corrugated iron.

However, the people of Ha’apai learned to cope with the impacts following Ian and started rebuilding their community halls, schools and even the hospital with assistance from the Government and foreign donors.

Ha’apai faces fuel shortage

Radio Tonga reports petrol and diesel are the two most important products for the people of Ha’apai especially for transportation inland and the outer islands.

The island reportedly ran out petrol last week and then diesel on Monday.

The Ministry of Fisheries has confirmed the vessels weren’t able to reach the island to deliver the much-needed petrol and diesel because of bad weather,

 

Photo YouTube