The Tongan construction industry: infrastructure provision in a small economy

Abstract

Construction, despite its key role in the provision of infrastructure, is often overlooked in studies of economic development. This is unfortunate, as the industry faces a number of difficulties which are exacerbated in small island states, and which inhibit the achievement of infrastructural development goals. These difficulties are evident in Tonga. After providing an overview of the industry, this paper discusses the current push to privatisation in the industry, the skills shortage and subsequent strong role of foreign firms, the weak regulatory and administrative framework, and financial and environmental issues. Show more