Building Capacity for Resilient Infrastructure: Manaaki Infrastructure Project Management Training

11 Feb Building Capacity for Resilient Infrastructure: Manaaki Infrastructure Project Management Training

MORDI Tonga Trust continues to invest in strengthening its leadership and technical capacity to deliver high-quality, climate-resilient development programs across rural Tonga. As part of this commitment, MORDI’s Chief Operating Officer (Finance), Mr Lorfan Pomana, has embarked on short-term training in Infrastructure Project Management under the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships programme.

The Manaaki short-term training programme supports mid- and senior-level professionals from Pacific Island countries to strengthen technical and managerial skills that contribute to national and community development. The infrastructure project management training focuses on planning, budgeting, procurement, risk management, and monitoring of infrastructure projects, with a strong emphasis on climate resilience and development contexts.

For MORDI Tonga, this training is highly relevant. The organisation implements a range of rural development initiatives that depend on resilient infrastructure, including water systems, agricultural facilities, community buildings, and climate-smart livelihood interventions. Strengthening internal capacity in infrastructure project management enhances MORDI’s ability to design, oversee, and deliver infrastructure investments that are sustainable, accountable, and responsive to community needs.

Mr Pomana’s upskilling will contribute to improved financial governance, project oversight, and risk management across MORDI’s programmes. It will also strengthen the organisation’s capacity to work with government agencies, development partners, and communities to ensure infrastructure projects are aligned with national standards, donor requirements, and local priorities.

In the context of increasing climate risks, resilient infrastructure is essential for safeguarding livelihoods, food security, and essential services in rural communities. By investing in professional development, MORDI Tonga is reinforcing its role as a trusted implementing partner and community-focused organisation.

Mr Pomana’s participation in the Manaaki training represents a strategic step toward strengthening institutional capacity and advancing sustainable, climate-resilient development for Tonga’s rural communities