Implementation of NEWS Project Component 1 in Vava’u and Ha’apai

Implementation of NEWS Project Component 1 in Vava’u and Ha’apai

VHF Radio System Diagram.

August 31, 2021. Two teams from the Department of Communications (MEIDECC) and the Japan Radio Company Ltd (JRC) implemented Component 1 of the ‘Nationwide Early Warning System and Strengthening Disaster Communications Project (NEWS)’ in the islands of Vava’u and Ha’apai on August, 17^th – 24^th.

Funded by the Japanese Government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Tonga, the teams conducted a two-days Operational and Maintenance Manual Training on Transportable Very High Frequency (VHF) Repeater to improve the islands communication infrastructure.

Operational & Maintenance Manual Training on Transportable VHF Repeater (NEWS Project) at MEIDECC Office, Ha'apai.

The training was based on the following:

System Operator Course

Guidance & Operation Practice Maintenance Manager Course
Maintenance procedure, trouble shooting
Field maintenance procedure, safety procedures
Programming and setting up the equipment

Basic Operation Practice

Guidance on radio communication
Radio terminal basic operation practice

Training NEWS Project MEIDECC Office, Ha’apai.

Training NEWS Project with MEIDECC Team, Ha’apai.

Director for Department of Communications, Mr. ‘Alifeleti Tu’ihalamaka said, “We were able to test the repeater and handheld devices for coverage and it was successful. We also carried out our Annual Radio Licensing Inspection by checking the validity of radio licenses in Ha’apai, as required by the law. The KU band disk under the ITU VSAT Pacific Connectivity Project that was installed at our old MEIDECC Office was dismantled for replacement.”

Testing the Repeater at Tonga Communications Corporation (TCC) Ha’apai

“Overall, our teams achieved Component 1 with the training and the coverage testing of the VHF Repeater. This operation were only executed in Tongatapu, Ha’apai and Vava’u.”

Tu’ihalamaka was accompanied by Taniela Taufa and Takuro Nagai to implement Component 1 of the NEWS Project in Ha’apai while Lutoviko Falemaka, Mele Tu’ipulotu, Mr Kusaba-san and Mr. Obo-san completed the project’s Component 1 in Vava’u.