15 Aug 2012

Tonga government says upgrade of Nuku'alofa CBD significant

2:26 pm on 15 August 2012

The Tongan government says the new central business district in the capital Nuku'alofa has improved significantly.

China has handed over to the government the completed Central Business District projects, including upgrades of the Vuna Wharf and the Royal Palace.

The reconstruction of the CBD began in 2009, following the damage caused by riots in 2006.

The government's representative for the developments, Dr Taukei Ahomana, says the improvements include better drainage systems, pedestrian walkways and stronger buildings.

"Compared to the standard and quality of the old buildings, I think some of the buildings were timber framed and I think a combination of timber frame and concrete. But these are mainly reinforced concrete with glass windows. They're pretty nice -they're nicer than the old ones."

Dr Taukei Ahomana says a loan of 67 million US dollars from China has been well utilised.