Tuvalu PM looks to Japan for help with 'artificial island' plan
Quoting Radio New Zealand – 25 October 2019
“Tuvalu's prime minister says his country is looking to Japan for assistance in creating an "artificial island".
“Kausea Natano has spoken to Kyodo News about fledgling plans for a major project using reclaimed land from the lagoon by the main atoll, Funafuti.
“The plans, revealed earlier this year by RNZ Pacific, come as Tuvalu's leaders continue to raise awareness about the threat of sea-level rise to the country.
“The local council of elders proposed dredging up sand from the lagoon and building a new land mass in a pocket of shallows in Funafuti's far south.
“Mr Natano told the Japanese outlet that the reclaimed area could be about 16 square kilometres in size.
“According to him, the project could cost as much as $US280 million.
“While a construction date is not yet known, the prime minister said Tuvalu hoped for financial assistance from Japan and other countries.”
Copyright @ 2019, Radio New Zealand.
