12th March, 2020 BACKGROUND
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has granted a Project Readiness Financing for the preparation of the Fanga’uta Lagoon Crossing Project and the Nuku’alofa Port Upgrade Project which addresses Tonga’s National Infrastructure Investment Plan (NIIP) 2013-2023 which outlines the main drivers for continued infrastructure and prioritizes the improvement of transport infrastructure to cope with increased traffic demand.
The current population trend and strong urban drift in Tonga is growing much more quickly than the national average. The proposed new road bridge which will link Nuku’alofa with the southern side of Fanga’uta Lagoon will ease traffic congestion to the southern and eastern sides of Tongatapu and the airport, but more importantly provide an alternative evacuation/access route in times of natural disaster.
A joint site visit was conducted on 23 January 2020 with officials from ADB, Chodai Co. Ltd and the PMU.
Stakeholder Engagement
First round of Community Consultations were conducted in the villages of Folaha, Longoteme, Vaini, ‘Umusi and Ma’ufanga District between the 5th – 13th February 2020 in partnership with Civil Society Forum of Tonga (CSFT).
Consultations were immediately followed by Household Surveys of 65 households to better understand the socio-economic impacts of the proposed bridge crossing and its approach road.
Concept Bridge Structure Options
Various bridge structures are still under assessment by the technical design team to identify a bridge structure most appropriate for the conditions of the Fanga’uta Lagoon location. Taking into account any potential damages from salt water, tsunami, cost of maintenance, earthquakes, social, environment and financial implications.
ENDS
For more information contact: Tevita Lavemai, Director for Land Transport Division, Ministry of Infrastructure, Ph: (676) 740 1550 or ‘Ana Bing Fonua, Project Coordinator, PMU, Ministry of Infrastructure, Ph: (676) 740 1520