Chinese Government provides $6.68 million grant for Vaipua Bridge Reconstruction Project

On September 2, 2008, Vaipua Bridge was declared unsafe. It collapsed and was in a state of disuse. Then, on November 14, 2008, China’s Ambassador to Tonga Fan Guijin and Tonga's Foreign Minister Tupou signed a grant agreement for the Vaipua Bridge Reconstruction Project. In total, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) reportedly committed $6.68 million (T$13.6 million) of grant funding for this project. The purpose of the project was the construct a two-lane bridge — that is 85 meters long and 9 meters wide — to facilitate transportation between Vava'u district and the town of Neiafuo. The foundation of the bridge was to be made of cement but the handrails on both sides were to be made of hardwood. Streetlights were also to be installed on the bridge. China Railway Fifth Engineering Group CR5 or 中铁五局集团有限公) was the contractor responsible for implementation. A foundation laying ceremony took place on March 31, 2011. The bridge was officially completed and opened for use on December 14, 2012.

Additional details

The Chinese project title is Vaipua大桥立项 or 中国援汤加瓦瓦乌瓦伊普阿大桥项目 or 汤加瓦瓦乌瓦伊普阿大桥项目. Vaipua Bridge is a vital short cut to Neiafu for the people living in the western district of Vava’u. Neiafu is an administrative center located on the south coast of Vava’u, an island chain in Tonga. It is the second largest town in the country and consists of an estimated population of 6000 people.

Number of official sources

4

Number of total sources

11