The Tonga Government says multi-lateral agencies such as the World Bank are to blame for delays in the reconstruction of schools on Tongatapu.
The lack of progress, which has left a number of schools still using tents as classsrooms 17 months after the cyclone, has been drawing criticism in recent weeks.
The matter came to a head after Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva shed tears at the Tuvalu Forum summit over the impact climate change was having on that country, prompting Tongans to question on social media why he wasn't dealing with issues at home.
Mr Pohiva has rejected the accusations and his spokesperson, Lopeti Senituli, told Don Wiseman the government has had no control over the hold up, but it has been assured repairs to the schools will start soon.
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
