McConnell Dowell was honoured to host the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt Hon. Christopher Luxon, Tonga’s Minister for Infrastructure, Hon. Semisi Kioa Lafu Sika, and the Hon. Dr Shane Reti, Minister for Pacific Peoples, at the Fanga‘uta Lagoon Bridge project site yesterday.
The visit marks a significant milestone in the delivery of this transformative infrastructure project.
During the visit, the leaders toured the site and met with the workforce, which is approximately 80% Tongan, as they prepare to construct the new 720-metre, two-lane bridge and 2,100 metres of access roading.
Once complete, the new bridge and access roads will:
- Ease congestion and shorten travel times
- Improve pedestrian access and safety
- Provide a resilient evacuation route for the local community
Beyond the physical infrastructure, the USD $97 million project will deliver lasting social and economic benefits for Tonga, creating new employment opportunities, supporting local businesses, and strengthening construction capability within the Kingdom.
Speaking previously at the project groundbreaking ceremony, McConnell Dowell Managing Director Fraser Wyllie said:
“We are not just building a bridge; we are helping build futures.”
The project builds on McConnell Dowell’s established presence in Tonga. The team delivering the Queen Sālote Wharf Upgrade has transitioned to the bridge project, ensuring continuity of local knowledge and capability. During the wharf project, the team completed 1,000,000 working hours without a single Lost Time Injury.
McConnell Dowell invested USD $10 million in Tonga through local employment, equipment procurement and capability development — including establishing a new concrete batching plant, a materials testing laboratory, delivering more than 3,000 hours of training and development.
“We remain committed to hiring and training local workers wherever possible,” Mr Wyllie said.
The Fanga‘uta Lagoon Bridge project is being delivered in partnership with the Tongan Ministry of Infrastructure, with investment support from the Asian Development Bank. The project team is committed to sustainable construction practices, environmental protection, strong community engagement, and a robust health and safety culture.
“McConnell Dowell has felt genuinely welcomed in Tonga over recent years, and it’s a privilege to help deliver infrastructure that supports communities, strengthens resilience, and fosters long-term economic growth “.
Above: Left to right: McConnell Dowell Project Manager Frank Schubert, Managing Director Fraser Wyllie, Minister for Infrastructure Hon. Semisi Kioa Lafu Sika and Prime Minister of New Zealand Rt Hon. Christopher Luxon.
