SALAMUMU & FAGALII-Uta – The Samoa government officially opened two new road projects in Salamumu and Fagali’i-Uta on Friday, with a combined value of SAT$2.5 million. The ceremony saw numerous government officials, including the Minister for Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Olo Fiti Va’ai, as well as village and church representatives come together to commemorate the occasion.
The extended Salamumu Road stretches over 3.2 kilometres, while the reconstructed Utumapu Road in Fagali’i-Uta measures 2 km in length. The High Chief of Fagalii, Fuamatu Jenkins Fuamatu, had the privilege of cutting the ribbon for the Utumapu Road opening.
These capital projects were initiated as part of the Upolu development plan. Announcements for the road projects were made in September 2022, and contracts were subsequently awarded in February 2023. King Construction and Lucky Construction Ltd were awarded the contracts for Salamumu Road and Utumapu Road, respectively, at costs of SAT$1,122,149.88 and SAT$1,495,736.00.
Several other bidders, such as T&N Toleafoa Co. Ltd, KLSS, and Rockworkz Ltd, had also shown interest in these projects.
Minister Olo, representing the government and the Land Transport Authority (L.T.A.), extended gratitude to the contractors for their timely completion. He underscored the significance of crafting quality infrastructure resilient to changing weather conditions and lauded the L.T.A. CEO and staff for their dedication to this essential project.
Elders and matai from both Salamumu and Fagali’i-Uta conveyed their heartfelt appreciation to the government and related agencies. They emphasized that these road upgrades, inclusive of drainages and pipes, would simplify and secure transportation in their villages.
The Fagalii community in particular celebrated the inauguration of Utumapu Road with enthusiasm. Minister Olo Afoa Fiti Va’ai delivered the keynote address, extending gratitude to the local community for their unwavering support.
