The Hon. Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva told Parliament this morning that work on Teufaiva Park may not start as scheduled. This puts doubt on whether the ‘Ikale Tahi will be able to host Wales at the National Stadium.
His comments came when ‘Eua Noble Representative Lord Nuku expressed his concern whether Teufaiva will be ready by early 2017.
His comments came when ‘Eua Noble Representative Lord Nuku expresses concern about Tonga being the proposed host country of the international event.
Lord Nuku says the Tonga Rugby Board Committee (TRBC) is concerned if the construction of Teufaiva playing ground takes place after March, Tonga would not be able to host the test match.
The ‘Eua Noble Representative says the TRBC has made arrangement with Wales about the test match but they are concerned whether Tonga can honour its commitment to hosting the event.
In response, the Hon. Prime Minister says it is too early to make any comments about the situation.
“It’s yet finalized whether the renovation to Teufaiva Sports Stadium takes place in March or April. I will consult Papua New Guinea on the matter and revert back to Parliament, says ‘Akilisi Pohiva.
The PM elaborates it took Papua New Guinea 2 years and six months to build its stadium.
“Although it was rather too late for PNG to build it but availability of funding made it possible to finish it on time for the last Pacific Games,” explains the PM.
Tonga in the past has hosted international rugby test matches of France, the Maori All Black and other international teams at Teufaiva Sports Stadium.
A government delegation from Port Moresby was recently here to hold talks with Government on possible assistance from PNG for Tonga’s effort to host the Pacific Games 2019.
The PM had repeatedly told Parliament, PNG has committed to reconstructing Teufaiva Sports Stadium and provide high performance facilities at their own costs to help athletes with preparation for the 2019 sports.
Government has yet to reveal the details of their project proposal.