4 Mar 2010

Tonga's Ashika Relief Fund ready to make payouts

3:32 pm on 4 March 2010

Contributions to the Ashika Relief Fund are to be given tomorrow to the survivors and members of the families of those who died in the Tonga ferry tragedy.

There is more than half a million US dollars in the fund.

In a statement, the government says the distribution will be carried out during a thanksgiving service at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre in Nuku'alofa..

Relatives of the deceased and the survivors have been invited to the ceremony, as well community leaders and dignitaries.

The Ashika Relief Fund was established by the government soon after the sinking in August last year to receive financial donations from Tonga and abroad for the welfare of the families of those who died in the tragedy, as well as the survivors and their families.