The new and expanded mortuary at Tupua Tamasese Meaole (TTM) Hospital was officially opened on Thursday morning, 24 April 2025, following years of planning and delays caused by procurement and funding processes.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Health acknowledged the significance of the project in light of past health crises such as the measles outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed the limitations of Samoa’s mortuary capacity.
The original facility could only accommodate 12 bodies, with 3 reserved for police-related cases. The new development now increases capacity to 48, with upgraded features to support national preparedness for future health emergencies.
The expansion was made possible through government funding under the Special Projects Account (SPA), after initial delays due to the complex tender process and limited availability of qualified contractors. The full cost of the project was SAT $732,235.00, with construction by All Electrical Construction (AEC) costing $605,950.00 and an additional $126,285.00 allocated for new freezer units.
Upgraded areas include:
- A refurbished chapel and family viewing room
- A new freezer room accommodating 48 deceased
- An expanded post-mortem room equipped for two autopsy tables
The Minister thanked current and former Health leadership for their foresight, the Ministry of Finance for releasing the necessary funds, and contractors Fonoti Likisone Leilua and AEC for completing the work despite challenges, including pauses to accommodate police investigations.
Special mention was also made of Leota Oliva Taitu’uga and his team, along with the Ministry of Health’s Finance and Procurement division, for overseeing the project’s budget and delivery.
The Minister urged staff to take good care of the new facility, reminding them that the government’s investment aims to support all families in Samoa, particularly those who cannot afford private mortuary services.
“Let everyone have equal access to this building,” he said. “May God bless this work.”
