BRIDGING THE DEFICIT – $7 MILLION COST OF GOVERNMENT INACTION?

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$7 million thrown into the sea and it is likely to rise to $14 million if the current Government fails to solve the ongoing land problem of the Fanga’uta Lagoon Bridge to the ‘Umukisia side, since the contract has been signed by the Ministry of Infrastructure and McConnell Dowell Construction Ltd.

September 2025 – Government of ‘Aisake Eke – The contract to build the Fanga’uta Lagoon Bridge was signed by the Ministry of Infrastructure and McConnell Dowell Construction Ltd, with the hope to commence in October 2025.

20 November 2025 – Parliament Election changed the Prime Minister from Dr. ‘Aisake Eke to Lord Fakafanua and also the Minister of Infrastructure from Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi to Semisi Sika.

June 2026 – It is now over 7 months and still this contracted project has not begun. This is due to land issue and the current government still has not been able to solve this problem. The worth of this unresolved issue is $7 million which has been paid.

Forecast: March 2026 – September 2026 – If the current government will still have this land issue unresolved, it appears that there will be another $7 million that will be paid out again.

Arising questions from the People:

1. On a National Budget Deficit of $38 million / 3% COLA (for civil servants only) to a 9.5% inflation rate / an economy forecasting a 2.3% fall in 2026 and falling further by 1.9% in 2027 – Is Tonga a country that can afford this kind of performance which amounts to a $7 million?
2. WHAT? – There are land laws that can be applied to this issue here. What is the cause of this issue remaining unresolved?
3. WHO? – Who is obstructing the application of these land laws to this issue?
4. Is this $7 million a result of:
   1. The changing of the Prime Minister and Ministers?
   1. A lacking of the right skills, knowledge and experience needed for this issue?
   1. Intentionally delayed for reasons that are not transparent?

If this problem is not resolved in the very near future, it is possible that this bridge will become the flatline of our country’s economy, which is already falling.