Resilient water tanks to assist Niuafo’ou people in El Nino Season

The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Tonga, Huang Huanguang presented a donation of TOP$69,000.00 to the Tonga Red Cross Society to assist with the Water Catchment Project for the people of Niuafo’ou.

The Niuas, are drier than normal and much more vulnerable to water shortages especially during El Nino season, according to the Meteorological Office El Nino Advisories.

The situation triggered Tonga Red Cross’s emergency disaster preparedness response to look for assistance and help alleviate the people’s situation in Niuafo’ou. 

The Nobles’ Representative for the Niuas, Lord Fusitu’a said, “May this collaboration continue in the future for the people of Niuafo’ou” 

People’s representative of Niuas and also the Minister of Internal Affair, Fe’ao Vakata, applauded the effort put towards to his constituency.

“Now the problem of water shortages will be sorted not only for drinking needs but for sanitation and hygiene also” 

Ambassador Huang said they will continue to support Tonga through projects that foster development to people of Tonga. 

The Secretary General of Tonga Red Cross Sione Taumoefolau conveyed sincere appreciate to the Embassy for the assistance to people Tonga especially, Niuafo’ou.

The project will supply each household in Niuafo’ou with a water tank to increase their resilience during of El Nino Season in Tonga.

Tonga Red Cross implement the project in close collaboration with People’s representative of Niua, Fe’ao Vakata and Noble’s representative for Niuas, Lord Fusitu’a. 

The work is expected to start in early January 2016, and Tonga Red Cross will continue to seek for donors to assist other islands increase resilience and build stronger communities and save peoples’ livelihoods.

Tonga Red Cross Society in its auxiliary role to Government of Tonga provides assistance to people in need and all activities of Tonga Red Cross staff, members and Volunteers are guided by the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement such as Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and universality.

 

     

Author: 
Rita Narayan