08th August, 2017 The National Emergency Management Office current warehouse at Vaololoa is now too small to accommodate most disaster relief items for an effective disaster response. In addition, the current warehouse location is situated in the inundation zone according to the latest tsunami inundation modeling.
Following further negotiations and consultations with the Australian high commission in Tonga, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has agreed to fund the construction of an Emergency Warehouse for the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) under the Ministry of MEIDECC. This is part of the ongoing assistance the Australian Government gives to the Tongan people.
The site for the new warehouse will be built at the back of the new NEMO/Meteorology office complex at Matatoa. This area is considered a flood safe zone area with easy access to airport and port.
The new warehouse will be procured from Australia to a design that shall withstand natural hazards common to Tonga. Construction will adhere to the local building code with best trade practices, carried out by local contractors.
This AUD$325, 000 budgeted new warehouse facility will store equipment including tents, emergency lighting, portable toilets, water tanks, hygiene kits, forklifts, generators, desalination units, crane trucks, septic truck and excavators etc. the bulk of these goods were donations of various development partners and other international agencies.
This warehouse will enable NEMO to respond to disasters in any part of Tonga. The close cooperation between NEMO and His Majesty’s Armed Forces and the ongoing training has Disaster Responders better prepared. All stocks and equipment is managed by NEMO who will also provide the necessary security and transportation.
We are grateful and acknowledge the continuous contributions from the Australian High Commission and we are thankful for their continuous support.
Attached: Photos
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications.