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Masiata Beach and Picnic Area Restoration Project

(See Description and Funding Proposal at the bottom of this page)

 

 

Toilet Construction: Before, After, and During:

 

 

Masiata Beach Restoration Proposal

(completed)

 

 

Location:  Kolovai, Kingdom of Tonga

Community Group: Fakamalu ‘o Latufuipeka (FL) Youth Group

Contact People: Naitoko ‘Akau’ola (Youth Group president) or Paul Neville (Peace Corps Volunteer)

Contact Numbers: Tailulu College, 21-432 (Naitoko) or Peace Corps Office, 25-466 (Paul)

Registration Date: 20/2/01

 

 

Proposal Summary

 

Description of Problem to be Addressed:

Masiata Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Tongatapu.  Many Tongan families coming from all parts of the island as well as tourists staying at the neighboring Good Samaritan Resort or the five other nearby resorts in the Western District frequent the beach for daytime sunbathing, evening swims, or Saturday picnics.  Unfortunately, Masiata Beach suffers from chronic problems as it lacks appropriate facilities to sustain its high volume of visitors.  Unorganized parking results in vehicles driving on and thus abusing already diminished vegetation.  Unregulated walking areas are also causing vegetation erosion.  Fires are built to BBQ in inappropriate areas.  Logs are dragged from the bush of private property forests and placed haphazardly for sitting.  A lack of toilet facilities results in unsanitary practices and causes problems for the Good Samaritan (as non-resort residences overuse their facilities) while deterring women from visiting.  Finally, while the FL Youth Group has organized several beach clean-up days, keeping up with trash strewn throughout the beach area without garbage receptacles is a near impossible task.

 

Remedial Action:

Environmental Impact and overall appeal of Masiata Beach will be drastically improved with the following additions:

·         Fencing to mark of the beach area and private owned land

·         Signs marking the following:

·         1 general beach welcoming sign

·         Signs marking entrance and exit of parking area

·         3 walk-ways signs

·         1 beach information and background sign

·         2 Environmental awareness signs (“Please put trash in receptacles” and “Respect the Vegetation”)

·         Three BBQ pits

·         Four benches

·         One toilet facility with two toilets each for men and women

·         Six trash receptacles

·         Additional bushes and trees

 

It should be noted that the village will provide all labor, transplanted bushes and trees, piping for the restroom facilities, and some additional wood for benches and building.

 

Income Generating Project:

The FL youth group would like to initiate an income-generating project for Masiata Beach.  A simple fale would host a display of handicrafts and refreshments targeted both to Tongan and foreign visitors.  The FL youth would run this small business during hours of high visitor traffic (i.e. weekday afternoons and all day Saturday).  Organizing, accounting, and budgeting would be done using the FL-run Youth Center and Computer Lab located just down the street in Kolovai.  A portion of the profits would go to the maintenance and upkeep of Masiata Beach.

 

Maintenance:

A regular maintenance schedule will be implemented along with the commencement of the beach renovation project.  It should be noted that the FL has access to lawn mowers, weed-whackers, bush knives, and brooms (for raking) to assist in the upkeep.

 

Long-term Benefits:

Considering Masiata Beach is currently a popular site, the most significant long-term benefit installing appropriate facilities will be its mark as one of the most desirable locations in Tongatapu.  Other benefits include environmental protection and awareness, increased productivity among local youth, and a greater sense of pride among all residences of the area.  With the completion of this project, the Tonga Visitors Bureau will put Masiata Beach in maps and brochures as a must-see site in Tongatapu.

 

 

ACTION PLAN

 

General Timeline:

Week                                                   1st         2nd        3rd        4th        5th        6th        7th

 

I.  Pre-funding Tasks

      Weed and ready the Beach               ______

      Train project staff                             ______

      Create business plan                                    ______

II. Post-funding Tasks

      Purchase of supplies                                                ______

      Erect fencing                                                                       ______

      Paint, treat, and place signs                                     ______

      Build BBQ pits                                                                                 ______

      Construct benches                                                               ______

      Build bathroom                                                                                            ______

      Build refreshment and handicraft fale                                                  ______

      Plant trees and bushes                                                                                             ______

      Place garbage receptacles                                                                            ______

     

III. Maintenance and upkeep   ____________________________________

 

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