The first of three new wharves in Tokelau has been completed.
The finished project on Atafu atoll will enable ships to get to shore in rough conditions.
First completed wharf at Atafu. Photo: Twitter / MFAT
Work is underway on Nukunonu atoll's wharf and is due to be completed this year, while work on Fakaofo atoll's wharf is set to begin next year.
New Zealand is contributing most of the project's $US14 million cost.
Atafu's wharf was briefly put on hold in May after a Samoan contractor died when stormy weather overturned a barge offloading supplies.
The company managing the project, Hall Pacific, agreed to employ more guidance from Atafu locals after the incident.
First completed wharf at Atafu #Tokelau - exciting milestone in project to improve dangerous conditions at existing wharves, accommodate new inter-atoll vessel & expected impacts of #climatechange over next 50 years. No air services to Tokelau, so 3 atolls rely on sea transport. pic.twitter.com/HIdvCw3G2E
— MFATgovtNZ (@MFATgovtNZ) November 27, 2018
