A multi-million tala new headquarters for the Samoa Water Authority (SWA) is pending before the Cabinet Development Committee (CDC), chaired by Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa.
At a cost of $40 million tala, the project’s development objectives include the construction of a new consolidated headquarters facility housing administration, warehouse, and store for the Authority at the current Vaitele location. SWA is offering $10 million to assist with the costs.
Subsequently, the project’s primary objective is designed to strengthen and enhance operational efficiency and service delivery, with SWA General Manager Fuimaono Dominic Faatoialemanu Tufuga Schwalger assuring the CDC of an improvement in revenue collection of $1 million tala due to “enhanced capacity for service delivery.”
But paramount to Fuimaono is the occupational safety of the SWA staff enduring the deteriorating working environment as the current infrastructure is over 20 years old and was originally used by the Public Works Department.
“The project aims to address current infrastructure issues and promote sustainability by creating a safer, more efficient workplace that meets health and safety standards,” reiterated the Authority in its official proposal tabled before the CDC.
In line with the Government’s Pathway for the Development of Samoa 2021-2026, the project’s target outcomes are:
- to promote renewable energy in support of the Government’s effort towards 70% renewable energy
- to strengthen the quality of utility services to all areas of Samoa
- 100% access to affordable utility services for all families and establishments in Samoa.
Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio welcomed the SWA initiative but, in the same token, urged the Authority to prioritize the country’s water needs. Tuala feels that immediate relief should be available for villages, communities, and families which have yet to receive treated clean water from the Authority.
Fuimaono acknowledged the request and assured that a 10-year Development Plan soon to be finalized is addressing areas of the country which have not received the Authority’s services.
The proposal is approved in principle by the Ministry of Finance and Minister Lautimuia Afoa Vaai. However, the Minister recommends that the new SWA headquarters be implemented in phases using the initial $10 million tala from the Authority to finance the first phase.
CDC Chairman and Prime Minister Fiame has tasked MOF and SWA to iron out the final issues prior to re-submission to the Committee for review and final approval.
