21st August, 2017 Four Government Ministries received donated equipments and supplies as aid from the Dongguan Municipal People’s Congress of China’s Guangdong Province this afternoon, at Fa’onelua Convention Centre.
Speaking to more than 50 guests, the Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni on behalf of the Government of Tonga expressed his sincere gratitude to the People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador to Tonga His Excellency, Mr. Li Mantang and the Dongguan Municipal People’s Congress of China’s Guangdong Province for their generous assistance.
“Chinese people have helped the Tongan people in so many ways. Throughout the years we have seen the development of our island nation with increasing Chinese assistance and aid programs. We are most grateful for Mr. Li Mantang and the Dongguan Municipal People’s Congress of China’s Guangdong Province’s contributions and we wish to acknowledge and maintain the China-Tonga Friendly Trade and Cooperation”.
Hon Sovaleni said, “With these assistance, it will no doubt improve the quality of service given by the care givers at the Ministry of Health. The equipment provided will be used at the following areas: Paediatric Ward, Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, Diabetes Clinic, Operating Theatre and Intensive Care unit, and other clinics at Vaiola Hospital and outlying island hospitals and health centers”.
“Clearly, these medical equipment have a quite board applications and usefulness, which will improve quality of care available in the areas where they will be utilized. With these new tools, our health staff will be motivated to be more effective in carrying out their duties hence the quality of patient care will definitely improve. These equipment will also replace our older equipment and those that have been damaged beyond repair”, he added.
The Ministry of Agriculture will be able to engage farmers more effectively as these ploughs will reduce farming costs associated with hiring of such equipment.
The Ministry of Education will be able to utilize the stationeries provided to enhance the capabilities of teachers and students alike. Government Ministries here today are now capable of providing a better health service, boost agricultural assistance, and a robust education system.
The water tanks can be used by the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) to support the wash cluster in water distribution following disaster events or the food security cluster for irrigation of crops during drought.
Present in the ceremony were the Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Ministers of the Crown, Government CEOs with officials, representatives from NGOs and guests.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications.