The clean up campaign for the upcoming national celebrations in Vavaʻu had been kicked off this week by knocking down fire-damaged buildings and properties that lay derelict in the capital town for years.
Some of these burned-out buildings belonged to the Sanfts, a family well known in Tongan business circles.
Tourism Minister Hon. Semisi Sika said the foundations of these buildings were also ploughed up.
The campaign was led by the Vava’u governor Lord Fulivai and Hon. Sika which began from Vai-Ko-Lēlea and Fā Ko Fiemeʻa historical sites.
The campaigners worked to upgrade the public toilets and picked up rubbish at the area.
Hundreds of Tongan visitors and tourists from overseas were expected to start arriving in Vava’u in early June.
The 94th Free Wesleyan Church conference is held in Neiafu along with the 70th anniversary of one of its colleges, Siuʻilikutapu Mailefihi college.
The celebration of His Majesty King Tupou VI’s 57th birthday will begin in Vava’u in June as well as the Royal Agricultural Show in July.
Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pōhiva was in Vavaʻu with a government delegation last month and discussed the preparations with Vavaʻu authorities.
Tonga Tourism Minister Hon. Sēmisi Sika said the events would bring huge advantages to the kingdom.
At the time the Prime Minister announced a government-led clean up and beautification campaign to begin in Neiafu immediately after he met with the Vavaʻu governor.
