Government of Tonga’s first mobile app nears completion

 

Caption: Workshop participants

Last week I was in Tonga to facilitate a training workshop for the Tonga Meteorological Services (TMS) and its partners. The workshop is part of finalising the Tonga Joint Early Warning and Response mobile app (app name to be finalised). The TMS lead initiative will help address challenges in communications on the ground and sharing of data with partners in times of natural disasters. Furthermore, the app provides real-time weather warnings using push notifications to mobile devices. Unlike traditional “weather” apps, TMS envisioned a “two-way” app that not only provides weather forecasts but enables the public to report weather and disaster related events to them. It will become the first mobile app for the Government of Tonga and will be available in Tongan and English languages on Android and iOS devices.

SPREP provides ICT expertise to assist TMS


Caption: Mr. Ainsof So'o reviewing the mobile app

One of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programmes (SPREP) strengths is its technical expertise in ICT, specifically in systems and portal development. We assisted TMS in developing Terms of Reference based on their initial needs to build a mobile app using technology that is sustainable and maintainable in the region. I work closely with the contractor to ensure there is a clear understanding of the needs of TMS and that deliverables are of high standard. When the project concludes, SPREP will continue to support TMS as needed.

Close collaboration with partners


Caption: Mr. Finau Kaufusi showcasing the monitoring system

The workshop brought together local, regional, and global stakeholders. The app technical team consisting of myself (Systems Developer and Analyst, SPREP), Mr. Tile Tofaeono (Technical Officer, World Meteorological Organisation), Mr. Finau Kaufusi (Software engineer, Contractor) and Mr. Laitia Fifita (Deputy Director, TMS) worked closely with the broader TMS, Tonga Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT), National Disaster Risk Management Organisation (NDRMO), Tonga Geological Services, and Tonga - Pacific Resilience Program (PREP) team, to provide hands on training of the mobile app.

Exploring the mobile app and monitoring systems


Caption: The mobile app home screen

We explored the unique features of the app and provided important feedback for enhancements and considerations. We also had a look at the backend and how we could share and collaborate. The app includes two real time monitoring systems for TMS and NDRMO which sets off an alarm in the office when data is received. We also had a look at the technology used and how it was setup. This is important for the maintainability and sustainability of the app.

Thumbs up from the Minister of MEIDECC


Caption: Meeting with Minister and her heads of department

The team also visited the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) office and presented the app to the Minister, Hon. Fekitamoeloa 'Utoikamanu and her heads of department. She was impressed and suggested to have a follow up briefing with the cabinet given this would be the Government of Tonga’s first mobile app.

Rollout continues to the community level


Caption: Planning meeting before the workshop

TMS continue to rollout the app and solicit feedback from the community as they visit them in the coming weeks.

The Tonga Mobile Applications Community MHEW and Response System (MACRES) project is funded by WMO CREWS with SPREP providing technical oversight.

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