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A collection of news-briefs from The Tonga Chronicle, Lao & Hia, Taimi 'o Tonga, Ko e Kele'a, Radio Tonga. For more details of these stories, feel invited to buy a paper from one of the locations mentioned in our media pages http://www.tongatapu.net.to/tonga/news/media/default.htm

Insurance firms are flying in representatives from Australia, New Zealand, and the USA to assess damage claims estimated by some to be reaching the T$18million mark, caused by Cyclone Hina's visit on March 16. Damage has been incurred on infrastructure, buildings, crops, and utilities leaving very few untouched in its wake.

Power and telephone lines, cut off from 8:25pm on March 16, were badly damaged in Nuku'alofa and Hahake. Although power had been restored to some consumers as early as March 17, many consumers are expected to be without power until June at the earliest. The damage to the power lines has been accentuated by the lack of available poles to replace the many poles laying dormant, shattered on front yards around Tongatapu.

Mr. Haniteli Fa'anunu, Director of Agriculture and Forestrey warns that families dependent on produce effected by the storm will need assistance in the coming months. More than 12,000 tonnes of fruits and root crops, most probably including this year's manioc export crops, were estimated to be damaged. This has been reflected in the rising prices at Talamahu market which also revealed deplinishing varieties.

Telephone lines down estimated by Telecom to be 35% of subscribers. Busby Kautoke, for the Commission, work is in progress for reinstating subscribers with expectations that it will be another two weeks before work on repairs is completed and new subscribers can obtain their lines.

Worst damage to private residences in Tongatapu occurred in Fa'atumu where 22 houses were flattened, leaving only six untouched. Simi Silapelu of TANGO states their survey indicates 531 domiciles seriously effected by the cyclone with 325 families desperately needing temporary shelter. Many are residing with friends, relatives, or makeshift tents. The National Disaster Committee and Ministry of Works have been busy distributing and setting up tents as temporary shelters for these new homeless.

A proper estimate of the cyclone's damage is still inappropriate as many Insurance firms have not yet completed visiting damage claims.

For the school's 50^th Anniversary, the Ex-Students' Association and Principal are requesting assistance from those who have had an opportunity to be involved with the school during its life. The school is requesting assistance in the form of historical information, records, photographs that may be used for publishing and archiving information about the school. The school is reviewing the opportunity to publish some of these works on the Internet to solicit more reports, and to provide a more complete portfolio on the school's activities.

If you can help out, please e-mail samt@ nomoa.com and we'll post information on http://www.tongatapu.net.to as we get them from the local ex-students assocation.

An 11-member delgation organised by the New Zealand High Commission with representatives from the Commission, Ministry of Agriculture, Tonga Telecom, Tonga Development Bank, and Japan International Cooperation Agency visited the Niuas March 4-11 looking at the development initiatives. The group will review projects such as reticulated water supply systems, a generator and science equipment for Niuatoputapu, sanitation facilities etc.

Tonga's first industry trade show (ie. Not focussed on agriculture) was held between March 21-23 at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall where displays were set up by participating organisations. Althought the show attracted "thousands" of visitors it must be noted that a significant portion of these visitors were children from the neighbouring schools enjoying their class breaks and the promotional materials.

The organisers, Mr. Taumoepeau of South Pacific Island Trade Show (New Zealand) would like the populace to believe the show a success, but indications from merchants removing their displays the evening before the final day presumes a different perspective from the show participants. The show initially required participants to pay for booth space, but due to the lack of demand organisers were forced to telephone and write letters appealing for local companies to participate.

The annual intercollege athletics is to be held over three days between April 10, 11, and 12 at Teufaiva Sports Stadium. Fourteen colleges are expected to compete this year, which involves new events such as the 400 metre hurdles, triple jump for girls, javelin, and the 800 metres for the midget class.

In a move seemingly forced upon it by the current supply, infrastructure problem, the Tonga Electric Power Board is advertising in print and radio for parties interested in supplementing the power grid. Those interested in sticking hands in with the Power Board are invited to contact the Board's General Manager for more details. The text of the invitation reads "Anyone who presently has a generator and who would be interested is invited to discuss the above with the Board. Likewise, any others whou would also be interested are welcome for further dialogue."

The 'Ofa Tui 'Amanaki Centre received donations over T$6,000 recently to assist in its work with children with disabilities. T$500 was a gift from the Queen while T$5,700 was donated by the Salvation Army. (ota@tongatapu.net.to)

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