07th March, 2019 The Executive Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Mr. Syurkani Ishak Kasim was in Nuku’alofa to meet with government officials and to visit three main projects funded by ADB including the Nuku’alofa Network Upgrade at Fanga ‘o Pilolevu Village, Mata-ki-‘Eua Water Production and Storage and Hahake Coastal Protection.
The highlight of the visit was a courtesy meeting with the Minister of Finance and National Planning, Hon. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa yesterday morning.
Mr. Kasim, said Hon Tu’i’onetoa expressed his gratitude for ADB’s continuous support towards the Tongan Government.
He noted that the purpose of the sites visit was not to check on what has been done but rather to see whether the projects have created an impact in the communities. According to Kasim the projects he visited was what ADB expected which goes to show that they can really make a difference.
“It is very much impressive, what I see and believe.”
He said that Tonga has a small economy and faces a lot of challenges such as natural disasters.
“It is important to be prepared all the time and it’s difficult and challenging for the government to do it themselves. They would need financial help, that’s when and how ADB comes in and help.”
The Executive Director is based at the ADB’s Headquarter in Manila, Philippines. He arrived in Tonga on Tuesday evening March 5th and departed earlier this morning.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications.