Pacific Property System Project

Client  Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (MFAT) Location  Apia, Samoa & Nuku'alofa, Tonga Contract  Design & Build

Fast Facts new access roads and kerbs two wastewater pipes and treatment plant systems two water treatment plants and tanks electrical infrastructure a new solar power system and security fencing

Essential infrastructure upgrades at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (MFAT) chanceries in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, and Apia, Samoa, were completed in June.

The team completed the design and scoping of the two upgrades in 2024, and physical construction began on-site in early 2025.

In both Apia and Nuku’alofa, we undertook a complex programme of infrastructure improvements, including new wastewater and water systems, electrical works, roads, and kerbing A new solar array system and security fencing were also installed at the Tongan MFAT compound.

One of the key challenges for the project was coordinating the construction of services around the Ministry staff who live and work onsite. Utilities needed to be functional, so shutdowns and connections were carefully planned and executed.

MCD has multiple projects underway in the Pacific, including Tonga and American Samoa, and we were able to share resources, including people, plant, and materials, where needed to achieve efficiencies.

Supporting the island’s economies was an important focus for the client and the team; four out of six of the subcontractors in Nuku’alofa, and three out of four in Apia, were local.

Most of the team, 90% were recruited from the surrounding communities in Apia and Nuku’alofa, continuing our policy of hiring locals. We also train and develop staff to help grow local capabilities.