4 May 2016

China coming to Tonga's aid in Games preparation

9:33 am on 4 May 2016

China is to give Tonga US$17.6 million dollars to help build facilities to be used for the Pacific Games in 2019.

Pacific games ceremony in PNG

Photo: RNZ Vinnie Wylie

Radio Tonga reports the Tonga Government has requested financial help for a major construction project at Tonga High School.

The work was to include sports fields, dormitories and a swimming pool.

The secretary of finance, Tatafu Moeaki, said a team of experts from China were to arrive in Nuku'alofa in May to develop draft designs for the projects.

Meanwhile Papua New Guinea's sports minister, Justin Tkatchenko, has said that by the end of the month his government will have a better idea of how much funding assistance it can offer Tonga to help with Games venues.

Earlier it had been mooted that PNG would help with a refurbishment of the Teufaiva National Stadium.

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