The responsibility for planning and preparing Tonga's hosting of the Pacific Games in 2019 has been given to three authorities, the Prime Minister’s Office has stated.
The Tonga Pacific Games Organising Committee will be responsible for the preparation, management and conducting the Games.
Secondly, an Audit and Governance Authority will monitor the management, running and planning works to be carried out by the Organizing Committee.
Thirdly, a Government Facilities Committee is tasked with managing the sporting venues and equipment needed for the Games.
The task of assessing sporting venues and constructions needed has been shifted from the Organising Committee to the Government Facilities Committee this year.
The PMO stated that the Organizing Committee should remain in its central role to prepare, manage and conduct the 2019 Pacific Games in Tonga.
Teufaiva Outdoor Stadium and Tonga High School are the main venues needing construction works.
According to the statement, Papua New Guinea's assistance will be directed to Teufaiva Stadium, together with New Zealand's assistance.
Meanwhile, China has committed to financing construction at Tonga High School. Other sporting venues like the ‘Atele Indoor Stadium will only be renovated.
Government stated that the main challenge has been finance but development partners had stepped in to assist, while negotiations were underway with others.
Picture courtesy of Justin Tkatchenko.