Government Approves Funding for School Fees and Lulutai Amid Public Debate
The government has reversed an earlier decision by Education Minister Hon. Uhilamoelangi Fasi, who had scrapped the free primary school education policy introduced by the previous administration of Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni. In a significant U-turn, the Cabinet has now approved 1.4 million paʻanga in funding to support families who are economically disadvantaged.
“The Cabinet has now approved 1.4 million paʻanga in funding to support families who are economically disadvantaged,” said Prime Minister ʻEke, confirming the shift in policy during his press conference.
The initial free education policy was introduced after the Sovaleni government identified that more than 3,000 children remained in need of support following the expiration of a World Bank programme, which had financed the education of 5,000 students until December last year.
However, upon taking office, the new government moved swiftly to revoke the policy through the Ministry of Education. The latest announcement indicates a partial reinstatement aimed at easing the burden on vulnerable families and ensuring greater access to primary education.
In a separate move, the Cabinet has also approved a financial injection of 2 million paʻanga for Lulutai Airlines to fund its operations over the next three months, through to the end of June. The government has stated it is awaiting the audited financial accounts for 2021/22 before making any long-term decisions regarding the airline’s future.
The decision has sparked renewed debate, with critics arguing that the government should step away from the airline and allow it to be privatised. Concerns have been raised over transparency, financial viability, and the continued use of public funds to support the struggling national carrier.
These announcements form part of a broader funding package totalling 33 million paʻanga, recently approved by Cabinet to support a range of ongoing national projects.
Among the allocations:
- 5 million paʻanga has been earmarked for the 1% interest student loan scheme to support students pursuing higher education overseas.
- Another 5 million paʻanga has been set aside for the construction of housing for families affected by the 2022 tsunami.
- 10 million paʻanga has been allocated to roadworks across the country.
- 300,000 paʻanga has been approved to complete the Haʻapai foreshore project.
- 5.3 million paʻanga will be injected into the Tonga Development Bank to support lending and investment initiatives.
Prime Minister ʻEke said the funding reflects his government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities, rebuilding infrastructure, and investing in long-term development.
