Foto

ADB, Samoa sign agreement to rehabilitate, upgrade Apia Port

The Government of Samoa and the Asian Development Bank have signed an agreement to rehabilitate and upgrade Apia Port.

The grant agreement for the Enhancing Safety, Security, and Sustainability of Apia Port Project was signed by Minister of Finance and ADB Governor Sili Epa Tuioti and the Regional Director of ADB’s Pacific Subregional Office Masayuki Tachiiri at a ceremony in Apia Monday.

The project agreement with the Samoa Ports Authority was signed by the Minister of Works Papalii Niko Lee Hang and Mr.Tachiiri.

“Building resilience to climate change, strengthening border security, and boosting trade are key components of the Apia Port project,” said Mr. Tachiiri. “By 2023, Apia Port will be safer, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable.”

Samoa with its population of about 200,000 lies south of the equator. Given the country’s geographic isolation from major international markets, marine connectivity is critical to the economy, which relies heavily on agricultural exports and the imports of basic goods. Samoa also has historically suffered from disasters triggered by cyclones and earthquakes.

The upgrade and rehabilitation plan includes the reconstruction of the damaged breakwater and the construction of a new customs examination facility. It will also promote environmentally sustainable practices and encourage greater participation of women employees at the Samoa Port Authority.

The Ministry of Finance is the executing agency, while the Ministry for Revenue and Samoa Ports Authority will be the implementing agencies of the project, which will be completed by the end of 2023.

Photo supplied : From left: Maria Melei, ADB Senior Country Coordination Officer, Leasiosio Oscar Malielegao, CEO Finance, Sili Epa Tuioti, Samoa’s Minister of Finance and ADB Governor, RD SPSO Masayuki Tachiiri, and So'oalo Kuresa So'oalo, CEO Samoa Ports Authority.

Source: Press Release