Chinese Government provides $500,000 grant for Seikena Tower Construction Project (Linked to Project ID#39307)

In the 2004-2005 period, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) provided a $500,000 grant to the Government of Niue for the Seikena Tower Construction Project. The purpose of this project was to construct an 80-meter television and radio transmission tower (known as Seikena Tower) in Makefu and install a one-kilowatt transmitter with microwave connections from Kaimiti to Makefu. Its ultimate aim was to provide improved island-wide TV signals and fm radio reception. Beijing Urban Construction International Co., Ltd. (BUCIO 北京城建国际建设有限公司) was the contractor responsible for implementation. Its work was supervised by China Youfa International Engineering Design Consulting Company. Construction started in October 2004 and ended on or around February 27, 2005. After the project was completed, General Manager of the Broadcasting Corporation of Niue, Patrick Lino, said that signal tests had been conducted in villages who previously had difficulty getting acceptable TV and radio reception and they now had excellent signals. However, due to faulty materials, the equipment later corroded, necessitating repair. The Chinese Government financed the Seikena Tower Repair Project (as captured via Project ID#39307).

Additional details

1. This project is also known as The Expanding the Television Signal Covering Area Project. The Chinese project title is 电视发射塔项目 or 增加电视覆盖面项目. 2. Niue established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on December 12, 2007. The establishment of diplomatic relations between Niue and China followed a number of discussions between the two sides. In 2004, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao sent a telegram to Niue Prime Minister (PM) Young Vivian to convey his sympathy regarding a windstorm that battered Niue. In April 2006, Premier Wen met with PM Young Vivian during the conference of “China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development & Cooperation Forum” held in Fiji. Niue PM Young Vivian and the Chinese Foreign Minister, Li Zhaoxing, held discussions in Wellington on August 1, 2006. In June 2007, Niue PM Young Vivian visited China.

Number of official sources

3

Number of total sources

10