September 25th, 2014
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Japan handed over Water Supply System for Holonga Village
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On September 25th 2014, the Government of Japan handed over the Project for Upgrading of Holonga Village’s Water Supply System. H.E. Dr. Kazuchika Hamuro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Tonga handed over the upgraded water supply system on behalf of the people and Government of Japan during a commissioning ceremony held at 9:30am, at Holonga village in Vava’u.
The commissioning ceremony was also attended by Hon Dr. Viliami Uasike Latu, Minister for Commerce, Tourism and Labour who is also the People’s Representative of Vava’u Constituency # 16, and the people of Holonga village.
H.E. Dr. Kazuchika Hamuro, in his keynote address, highlighted the remarkable community efforts from the people of Holonga which resulted in the smooth implementation of the project.
“We need to join our hands and make efforts together to reduce Human insecurity caused by water shortage as it is critical for social-economic development, healthy ecosystems and for human survival itself,” stated Ambassador Hamuro.
Hon. Dr. Viliami Uasike Latu in the vote of thanks acknowledged the generous assistance from the people and the Government of Japan. “Our valued partner like the Government of Japan and her people have been able to support us even through difficult times for Japan herself.”
“A Tongan gift of treasury is to say thank you and that is what I can offer today from the bottom of our hearts,” said Hon. Dr. Latu on behalf of the Government of Tonga and people of Holonga village.
The Project for upgrading of Holonga village water supply system is a part of Japan’s Official Development Assistance to Tonga made available through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects, or commonly known as GGP. Through GGP, Government of Japan aims to empower people at the grass-root level to make informed choices for the welfare of the community by providing necessary assistance to overcome vulnerabilities and to promote Human Security. Holonga Development Committee sought for Japan’s assistance prioritizing an efficient management of water supply for the 452 people of the village. (kindly refer to Project Fact Sheet for Detail of the Project)
Ambassador Hamuro handed over also the Upgrade Water Supply System for Feletoa Village, in Vava’u in the afternoon of Thursday, 25th September.
Project Fact Sheet (PDF)