Equipment is due in Tonga this week for work to begin on the multi-million dollar upgrade and extension of Nuku'alofa's domestic wharf.
The General Manager of the Ports Authority Mosese Lavemai said site work would start shortly with the project expected to be completed by 2018.
Japanese construction group, TOA Corporation, is carrying out the work which is funded by Japan to the tune of more than $US25 million.
Mr Lavemai said the project would extend the wharf and build a terminal building to house passengers and cargo.
He said the project was a great opportunity for Tonga and efficiency would be greatly improved at the port.
"The purpose of our new domestic is to separate out our domestic from the international. Currently we are experiencing congestion in our operation because of the domestic is along side our international wharf."
Nuku'alofa harbour, Tonga. Photo: AFP
