Tapuhia landfill

The project was submitted by the Secretariat for the National Commission for a Clean Green Tonga in 2019.

It comprised clearing a lookout area at the Tapuhia landfill, building a new secure fence around the area for the safety of visitors, installing and replacing of infographic signs, building a seating area, and purchasing of high visibility vests and masks to be used by visitors when visiting the landfill.

The upgrade has given Tapuhia landfill in Tongatapu a facelift.

A fire which broke out at the landfill on Christmas Day is now under control.

Kalisitiane Tukuafu of the Waste Management Authority says the fire was significantly contained on Monday thanks to the tireless efforts of emergency services and WAL.

Mr Tukuafu says they will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that such an incident will not re-occur.

The landfill was part of a $2.7 million pa'anga project, funded by the Australian Government, the Tongan Government and the Asian Development Bank and was handed over nearly two years ago on 13 January 2015.

The National Emergency Management Office (NEMO), His Majesty’s Armed Forces, Tonga Police, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and Private Sectors were called in to help fight the blaze, a government statement said.

Kaniva News reports the blaze reportedly broke out early Christmas morning at around 5:00-6:00am and the fire services responded at around 10:00am.

The fire as it was in this afternoon Monday 26 was still “uncontrolled”, according to Deputy Fire Commissioner, Mr Sinamoni Kauvaka.

An investigation was underway to determine the cause of the fire.