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Construction of Tonga’s new Parliament building has progressed from its early foundations to the installation of a distinctive sweeping timber roof. An aerial photograph released by the Facebook page Tonga Parliament Building Updates shows large curved timber frames being fitted above the central parliamentary chamber, with adjoining sections already partially roofed. Workers are visible on elevated platforms and construction equipment is positioned around the site to support the installation. The new complex, located at Talangaholo, is being built to replace the former Parliament House and Legislative Assembly offices that were destroyed by Cyclone Gita in February 2018. The project, valued at NZ$60 million, is financed jointly by New Zealand and Australia and is managed by New Zealand in partnership with the Government of Tonga. Westland Construction serves as the main contractor, with Ca’Bella Pacific Construction Tonga acting as the prime subcontractor. The roof design draws inspiration from traditional Tongan fale architecture and is intended to give the building resilience against cyclones, storm surges and earthquakes. In addition to the parliamentary chambers, the complex will include a public gallery, dedicated media facilities and an education centre to improve public access to parliamentary activities. Senior project adviser Dr Fakaʻiloatonga Taumoefolau told University of the South Pacific students and staff in August that the building is expected to be completed by early 2028, provided work proceeds smoothly. This revised timeframe extends beyond the 2027 completion date previously reported. The latest image does not indicate how much of the overall project has been finished or whether construction is on schedule. Interior installations and finishing work remain unreported. Article and image source: Kaniva Tonga News
Construction of Tonga’s new Parliament building has progressed from its early foundations to the installation of a distinctive sweeping timber roof. An aerial photograph released by the Facebook page Tonga Parliament Building Updates shows large curved timber frames being fitted above the central parliamentary chamber, with adjoining sections already partially roofed. Workers are visible on elevated platforms and construction equipment is positioned around the site to support the installation. The new complex, located at Talangaholo, is being built to replace the former Parliament House and Legislative Assembly offices that were destroyed by Cyclone Gita in February 2018. The project, valued at NZ$60 million, is financed jointly by New Zealand and Australia and is managed by New Zealand in partnership with the Government of Tonga. Westland Construction serves as the main contractor, with Ca’Bella Pacific Construction Tonga acting as the prime subcontractor. The roof design draws inspiration from traditional Tongan fale architecture and is intended to give the building resilience against cyclones, storm surges and earthquakes. In addition to the parliamentary chambers, the complex will include a public gallery, dedicated media facilities and an education centre to improve public access to parliamentary activities. Senior project adviser Dr Fakaʻiloatonga Taumoefolau told University of the South Pacific students and staff in August that the building is expected to be completed by early 2028, provided work proceeds smoothly. This revised timeframe extends beyond the 2027 completion date previously reported. The latest image does not indicate how much of the overall project has been finished or whether construction is on schedule. Interior installations and finishing work remain unreported.
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