Mango islanders affected by the tsunamis and volcano eruption early this year will now have their homes rebuilt on the land identified in ‘Eua

The island community of Mango in Ha’apai who were affected by the tsunamis and volcano eruption on 15 January will have their homes rebuilt on the outer island of ‘Eua.

‘Eua is a high raised island in the Tongatapu group.

Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni said this is on the government’s rebuilding programme.

“Mango islanders now will have their homes rebuilt on the land identified in ‘Eua.”

He said the Ministry of Infrastructure is working with islanders and construction companies on the programme. 

Government will also start working with Fonoifua islanders in Ha’apai as part of the rebuilding program. 

In addition, they have started working with island group development committees, starting off with a meeting in Neiafu, Vava’u for the Vava’u Island Development Committee this week and the Ha’apai Island Development Committee here in Nuku’alofa. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fekita ‘Utoikamanu is a member of all the island development committees. 

Following the 15 January eruption and tsunamis, 62 survivors, including about 18 children and babies were evacuated from Mango Island and brought to Tongatapu by a Tongan Navy patrol boat on 22 January.

They were living temporarily at a church hall in Longolongo.

This story was written by Linny Folau and originally published at Matangi Tonga on 18 May 2022.