An Australian contractor has been engaged to build safer and more reliable ship-to-shore reef passages and new wharves in Tokelau.
The works will be undertaken by Australian dredging and civil construction company Hall Pacific, are expected to commence this month and completed by November 2019.
Tokelau’s new ferry ‘Mataliki’ Photo: SUPPLIED
Hall Pacific's chief executive, Cameron Hall, said that tidal and weather conditions regularly impacted scheduled deliveries, delaying the supply of goods.
"Tokelau is reliant on these operations for transporting passengers and goods, so it's vital that they can operate smoothly moving forward," Mr Hall said.
According to him, the existing channels afford little protection from swell and are incredibly exposed. Therefore, widening and deepening the reef passages would enable ship-to-shore vessels, smaller fishing boats and inter-island vessels to navigate the area more easily and safely.
"The works will provide increased shelter from wave action and have been designed to minimise the need for regular maintenance," he explained.
The project will also upgrade the existing wharf and ramp structures on the various atolls of Tokelau.
Nukunonu Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Mr Hall said a number of Pacific Islanders had been recruited to support the team of 13 Australian expatriate workers, including 14 Samoans.
"We're proud to have 14 skilled Samoan workers joining our team in Tokelau and are also looking to hire a number of Tokelauans."
Local workers will also be trained in the use of small tools, concreting and general labouring duties.