Houma, Tongatapu | 15 July 2026 – The Government of Tonga, in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Japan, marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for the country's first Elderly Care Centre in Houma, Tongatapu.
The centre will provide dedicated care and support services for older persons in the Hihifo district, reflecting the Government's commitment to enhancing the wellbeing, dignity, and quality of life of Tonga's ageing population.
The project is financed by the Asian Development Bank with support from the Government of Japan and implemented in close partnership with the Government of Tonga. In addition to establishing the country's first purpose-built elderly care centre, the initiative is the first of its kind to include funding for the remuneration of caregivers, recognising the essential role they play in providing quality care and support to older persons.
The groundbreaking ceremony was officiated by the Hon. ‘Atuamu’a Vaea, and attended by Cabinet Ministers, former ministers, representatives of diplomatic missions accredited to the Kingdom of Tonga, development partners, government officials, and community representatives.
Photo 1: Hon. ‘Atuamu’a Vaea at the ground-breaking ceremony.
The ceremony marked the official commencement of construction and reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Government of Tonga and its development partners to strengthening social protection services and improving support for older persons across the Kingdom.
Photo 2: Mrs. ‘Aivi Fakahu, Acting CEO for the Ministry of Finance at the groundbreaking ceremony.
Photo 3: Hon. Fane Fotu Fituafe, Minister of the Ministry of Internal Affairs at the groundbreaking ceremony.
Photo 4: His Excellency Mr. Hisao Inagaki, Ambassador of Japan to Tonga together with former and current Hon. Ministers and other development partners.
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