Water and other urban infrastructure and services / Urban policy, institutional and capacity development

ADB_s strategy in Tonga is to support implementing Strategic Development Plan Eight, particularly regarding the goals for (i) better governance; (ii) acroeconomic

stability; and (iii) private sector-led economic growth, including the Government_s increased emphasis on urban development. This strategy contributes to ADB_s overarching goal of poverty reduction, is fully consistent with ADB_s Pacific Strategy 2005_2009, and supports Tonga_s continued economic and social development and achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. The Project will utilize a sector approach to executing Strategy 20.

The Government_s development aims and program are presented in its Strategic Development Plan Eight, which was approved in April 2006. The eight broad goals for the Kingdom in the Plan are (i) a better governance environment; (ii)

macroeconomic stability; (iii) sustained and globally competitive private sector-led growth in the economy; (iv) equitable distribution of the benefits of growth; (v) improved education standards; (vi) improved health standards; (vii) environmental sustainability and disaster risk reduction; and (viii) maintenance of law and order, social cohesion, and cultural identity. The Plan_s Strategy 20

specifically targets developing an urban planning and management strategy for Tonga and formulating an investment project for development of urban areas

The expected impact of the TA will be improved standard of living within Tonga s

urban areas. The expected outcomes are (i) well-planned and

sustainable urban development, and (ii) a safe and efficient road

system within Nuku'alofa.