Pacific / Papua New Guinea

Sport: PNG says help is close for Tongan Games

16:57 pm on 3 May 2016

The Papua New Guinea sports minister says by the end of the month there will be firmer figures on how much assistance the country will offer Tonga in hosting the 2019 Pacific Games.

Financial problems and political infighting have plagued early preparations for the games.

Justin Tkatchenko led a delegation to Nuku'alofa in February to assess sporting facilities and the possibility of a much-needed refurbishment of the Teufaiva National Stadium was mooted.

PNG Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko. Photo: Facebook / Hon Justin W Tkatchenko MP

He said both governments are holding discussions, including with architects, over planning for the games.

He told PNG's EMTV, the country is committed to helping Tonga.

"We're not going to let our Pacific brothers and sisters down," he said.

"We have made a commitment and we will be there to support them in that infrastructure development that we have promised."

Tkatchenko said he would say that by mid-May, end of May, they will have correct figures and exactly the scope of works that PNG will be doing to help Tonga in its efforts to have one of the best games in their country.