12th May, 2017 Tonga Power Limited employees showcased their skills and workmanship to New Zealand Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee as they walked through ‘Alaki Village as part of the New Zealand-funded Tonga Village Network Upgrade Project.
Robert Matthews, Chief Executive from Tonga Power Limited, discussed the achievements of the project as he escorted Minister Brownlee and Her Excellency New Zealand High Commissioner Sarah Walsh through one of the 50 rural villages on Tongatapu that are being upgraded under the project.
Minister Brownlee was able to hear directly how the NZ$27.8 million New Zealand-funded energy project has supported rural Tongan communities to access more reliable and safe electricity, while reducing Tonga’s national reliance on fossil fuel.
“I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the Tonga Village network upgrade project in action and am proud of New Zealand’s role in this essential sector” says Minister Brownlee. “A reliable electricity network will not only make daily life easier for communities but will also lead to a more solid foundation to allow Tonga to build its regional economy.”
At a reception hosted by the New Zealand High Commissioner on Wednesday, Minister Brownlee reiterated New Zealand’s commitment to supporting the Government of Tonga to upgrade Nuku’alofa’s electricity network. This will provide a more reliable electricity service to Tongan businesses and communities, and enable greater electricity generation through renewable energy sources.
ENDS
For further information, please contact
Mairi Forde
Public Affairs and Policy Adviser
New Zealand High Commission Nuku’alofa | Te Aka Aorere
T +676 23-122 ext.112 | E mairi.forde@mfat.govt.nz
Melissa Campbell
Public Affairs and Policy Adviser
New Zealand High Commission Nuku’alofa | Te Aka Aorere
T +676 23-122 ext.110 | E Melissa.Campbell@mfat.govt.nz