Tuvalu has weclomed a new “state-of-the-art” passenger
and cargo vessel, the Manu Sina, to
Funafuti.
The construction of the multi-million-dollar
vessel, which arrived on Wednesday, was funded by the Asian
Development Bank’s (ADB) Asian Development Fund ($30
million), and the Tuvalu government ($3m).
According
to the ADB, the vessel is built by Honda Heavy Industries in
Saiki, Japan.
“[It] has state-of-the-art navigation
systems, is wheelchair-friendly, has gender-segregated
toilets and a dedicated area for women.”
It said the
project is also building the operation and maintenance
capacity of the Ministry of Transport, Energy, Communication
and Innovation to ensure the sustainability of the
investment.
Tuvalu’s Minister for Transport, Energy,
Communication, and Innovation Simon Kofe said the island
nation “waited for this historic day”.
“This vessel
will be a lifeline for the people in the outer islands and
will ensure safer transfer of people and goods and will
boost our economy and regional trade,” he said.
ADB’s
Pacific head Emma Veve said the Manu Sina is designed
to meet the unique needs of Tuvalu’s outer islands, while
meeting international standards of fuel efficiency, quality,
and safety.
“The ship will play a vital role in
boosting connectivity between the outer islands, the
capital, Funafuti and neighbouring countries of Fiji and
Kiribati, improving people’s access to economic
opportunities, health clinics, markets and schools,” she
said.
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