Mounting Concerns Over Tonga’s Housing Development Ahead of Pacific Islands Forum
Concerns are mounting in Tonga about whether a planned housing development will be completed in time to accommodate over 1,000 attendees of the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in August. This development is crucial to address the significant demand for accommodation during this high-profile event, which brings together leaders from across the Pacific region.
In May, efforts began to clear land at Popua, located near the historic Sia Heu Lupe site. The Tongan government plans to erect over 100 prefabricated container houses at this site to provide additional housing for summit attendees. After the event, these houses will be allocated to elderly residents, addressing a long-standing need for senior housing in the community. The site preparation, now in its third week, is expected to continue into June, with the containers expected to arrive in mid-June.
The importance of this housing project cannot be overstated. The Pacific Islands Forum is a major event that highlights regional cooperation and addresses critical issues such as climate change, economic development, and geopolitical concerns. Hosting this event successfully is not only a matter of national pride but also an opportunity for Tonga to demonstrate its capability and commitment to regional leadership.
However, the logistical challenges are significant. RNZ Pacific’s correspondent in Tonga, Kalafi Moala, highlighted the strain the Forum will place on Tonga’s accommodation facilities. “All the hotels have been booked, so they need to build new houses,” Moala stated. He emphasized the logistical complexities of ordering and assembling the prefabricated container houses, which must be manufactured in China.
In addition to the Popua site, work is also underway on another site in Sopu where more prefabricated housing will be constructed. Despite these efforts, securing a suitable venue for the Forum meetings remains a challenge. The Tongan government has requested China to expedite the construction of the new indoor stadium being built near Tonga High School to be completed in time for the summit. Initially slated for completion by December, Chinese officials have indicated that they could meet the August deadline, though this would require additional funds and labour.
The government’s efforts have not been without controversy. Over the weekend, churchgoers were disturbed by the noise from Chinese construction workers continuing their work on Sunday, in violation of Tonga’s Sunday law, which forbids any business operations. Social media erupted with criticism of government, this led to a government official to take action, prompting the workers to cease activities and return to their barracks.
This situation presents a significant challenge for Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Sovaleni and his administration. The government is heavily reliant on development partners to fund the F25 budget and the Pacific Islands Forum. Information about meeting these costs has been scarce, as the Prime Minister has been frequently traveling abroad to secure necessary support. For instance, he and two senior ministers recently attended the SIDS (Small Island Developing States) conference with a delegation of officials, a move seen by many as a costly and unproductive exercise.
The frequent overseas trips by Prime Minister Sovaleni and his ministers have drawn criticism, particularly in light of the current financial strain and rising inflation. Many Tongans feel that the country is not seeing tangible benefits from these international engagements. The reliance on development partners and the diaspora has become increasingly evident. With inflation challenges, Tonga increasingly looks to its diaspora for financial support, underscoring the economic pressures faced by the nation.
These financial constraints have added a layer of complexity to the preparations for the Forum. As Moala pointed out, “The indoor stadium was supposed to be completed by December, so they are going to finish by August. I talked to the Chinese officials here; they say, ‘Yes, they can finish it for the Forum, but it means that it’s going to cost more money, it means they are going to have to bring in more labour from China.” This last-minute rush and the associated costs highlight the difficulties in managing large-scale projects within tight deadlines and limited budgets.
One potential contingency being considered is the chartering of a cruise liner to provide additional accommodation. However, this option comes with its own set of challenges and high costs, estimated between USD 10-13 million to be paid upfront, something that is foreign to a government who relies heavily on donor partners.
The success or failure of these initiatives will significantly impact Tonga’s ability to host the Forum effectively and maintain its reputation on the international stage. Hosting the Pacific Islands Forum is a prestigious opportunity for Tonga, but the associated pressures are immense. The government’s ability to navigate these challenges, secure necessary funding, and complete the infrastructure projects on time will be crucial.
In the face of these challenges, there is a pressing need for transparency and communication from the government. Clear information on the progress of the projects, the financial situation, and the expected outcomes of international engagements would help build public confidence. As Tonga prepares for this major event, the collective effort of the government, development partners, and the diaspora will be essential in ensuring a successful Pacific Islands Forum in August.
