October 21th, 2014
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Japan handed over an Outside-Broadcasting Mobile Unit to improve Tonga’s Disaster Prevention Capacity
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On October 21st 2014, the Government of Japan handed over the Project for Outside-Broadcasting Mobile Unit for Improvement of Disaster Prevention Capacity to the Tonga Broadcasting Commission(TBC). H.E. Dr. Kazuchika Hamuro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Tonga handed over the vehicle on behalf of the people and Government of Japan to Lady ‘Eseta Fusitu’a, Chairlady of Tonga Broadcasting Commission’s Board of Directors, during the commissioning ceremony held at 10:00am, at the TBC Premises at Fasi moe afi.
The grant commissioning ceremony was also attended by Rev Dr. Siotame Havea and other members of the TBC Board, Mr. Paula Ma’u, CEO of Ministry of Environment, Energy, Climate Change, Disaster Management, Meteorology, Information and Communications, Mr. Tatafu Moeaki, CEO of Ministry of Finance and National Planning, and Mr. Leveni ‘Aho, Director of National Emergency Management Office(NEMO) among other guests.
H.E. Dr. Kazuchika Hamuro, in his keynote address, with reference to the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in March 2011, highlighted the importance Japan places in sharing its experiences and expertise in coping with natural disasters. “It is crucial to build up the coping capacity of local communities and the whole Kingdom. That is the aim of this outside-broadcasting mobile unit…to keep the people of Tonga well informed and prepared for natural disasters through on-site broadcasting and wider coverage…the mobile unit is a tool of empowerment for everyone in the Kingdom as it is equipped to facilitate in any weather with the capacity to bring live and clearer images of better up-to-date news of events and occurrences”, stated Ambassador Hamuro.
Lady Fusitu’a, in her words of acknowledgement, expressed appreciation for Japan’s role as a strong supporter of TBC over the years, providing technical assistance and equipment. “Radio and Television are no longer just media vehicles for Education, News and Entertainment, in fact they are now the most vital mechanisms for disaster preparedness and management…This is a life saver for Tonga and as intended, Tonga is safer today than it was yesterday,” said Lady Fusitu’a.
The Project for Outside-Broadcasting Mobile Unit for Improvement of Disaster Prevention Capacity 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, the 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. TBC sought for Japan’s assistance to better serve information needs of the people of the Kingdom, especially in the events of disaster. (kindly refer to Project Fact Sheet for Details of the Project) END.
Project Fact Sheet (PDF)