Opinion: Tonga Must Deliver on the Promise of World Bank Support — Our Future Depends on It
By Melino Maka | Tonga Independent News | 17 May 2025
The recent announcement of a US$12 million grant from the World Bank is more than just another development story. It is a clear signal that the international community still has confidence in Tonga’s ability to lead — but only if we do the hard work of delivering real reforms that matter to ordinary Tongans.
The World Bank’s Second Fiscal, Disaster, and Climate Resilience Development Policy Operation isn’t just about money — it’s about choices. It’s about whether our government can truly prioritize long-term resilience over short-term politics, and whether we can build systems that protect our people from climate shocks while securing sustainable economic growth.
Let’s be clear: Tonga is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. From the eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai to increasingly intense cyclones, our communities live on the frontline of climate change. Combine that with high fuel costs, a narrow tax base, and limited fiscal space, and the pressure is immense. That’s why this World Bank funding comes with high expectations — and rightly so.
So what exactly is expected from Tonga?
1. Stronger Public Finances
We must reduce wasteful tax exemptions and ensure that every pa’anga collected is used wisely. The World Bank expects greater transparency in debt reporting and better public financial management. This is not about punishing businesses — it’s about making sure everyone pays their fair share and the government has the tools to invest in our future.
2. Smarter Energy Use
We rely too heavily on imported diesel, and it’s costing us. Reforms to introduce energy efficiency standards could lower electricity bills for households and reduce national reliance on expensive fuel imports. These are changes that benefit everyone — especially low-income families.
3. Better Disaster Preparedness
When disaster strikes, every second counts. The operation includes funding to enable nationwide disaster alerts via mobile phones, even on the most remote islands. This could save lives, especially for women, children, and the elderly who are often hardest to reach during emergencies. The legislation must be passed, the systems must work — and the people must be trained.
4. More Effective Services
From education and health to roads and communication, the public expects better. With improved revenue systems, the government will have the means to reinvest in vital infrastructure and services. But that requires discipline, not politics — and clear delivery timelines.
5. Inclusive and Transparent Governance
This is a big one. The World Bank — and the people of Tonga — expect that all voices will be heard in these reforms. That includes vulnerable groups, rural communities, and civil society. Resilience is not just about concrete and policy — it’s about trust, fairness, and shared responsibility.
Tonga Has a Leadership Opportunity
As World Bank Country Manager Stefano Mocci said, Tonga is “embedding resilience into the DNA of its economic planning.” That’s an admirable goal — but we must prove it. Tonga is now being watched closely, not just by development partners, but by our own people.
This support could unlock larger-scale financing in the future — from climate funds, green investments, and other donor sources. But only if we meet the reform benchmarks and deliver measurable results.
In this moment of global climate crisis and local economic pressure, we cannot afford to waste another opportunity. The path to resilience isn’t a donor-funded road — it’s a road we must walk ourselves. This World Bank grant is a stepping stone, not a crutch.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t just about policy documents and press releases. It’s about putting people first, making systems work, and showing that Tonga can lead by example in the Pacific.
The time for action is now.
