Residents of ‘Eua have been invited to attend an important community meeting with the company responsible for upgrading the Nafanua Harbour infrastructure.
The meeting is expected to involve representatives of McConnell Dowell, the international engineering and construction company contracted to carry out the project.
The Australian company won the tender in late July to replace the Fangumalingi Bridge, commonly known as the Nāfanua Bridge, after a series of natural disasters caused significant damage to the existing structure.
The company previously said it was fast‑tracking the mobilisation of its team, plant and resources to the site so construction work could begin in the coming months.
The Nāfanua Bridge, which links the community to the port area, was damaged by severe flooding and has since been assessed as no longer safe for use.
To maintain access between the port and surrounding communities, a temporary causeway has been put in place while preparations for the new bridge are underway.
The bridge replacement project forms part of the wider Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha‘apai Response and Recovery initiative, jointly funded by the governments of New Zealand and Tonga.
The programme aims to restore and strengthen critical infrastructure damaged by the 2022 volcanic eruption and tsunami, which had widespread impacts across the country, including ‘Eua.
McConnell Dowell’s global head office is based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
The meeting was called by the ‘Eua Government Representative, Tuipulotu Lofitu Lauaki, who described the consultation as “very important” for local communities. Each village on the island has been asked to nominate 10 representatives to attend.
