Samoa officially opened the new Savalalo market in central Apia on Monday, with Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leauatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt saying the project restores a major centre of trade and daily life in the capital. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon attended the ceremony as part of his Pacific visit from 15 to 18 March.
In his address, Laaulialemalietoa said the market was more than a new structure of timber, steel and concrete, describing it as a place where Samoa’s culture, economy and community meet. He said the new facility was another step in the wider Apia Waterfront Project and reflected the role Savalalo has long played for farmers, fishers, artisans and families.
The Prime Minister said the original Savalalo market was destroyed by fire in early 2016. He said the previous government had planned to relocate the replacement market to Sogi, but the FAST government decided after taking office in 2021 to rebuild it at Savalalo, arguing the original site was more central, more accessible and cheaper for the public.
According to the speech, the total cost of the project was SAT$30 million. That included NZD$12 million from the Government of New Zealand, valued in the remarks at about SAT$20 million, while the Government of Samoa contributed SAT$10 million through Samoa Land Corporation. Zheng Construction Company Limited won the design-and-build contract with a bid of SAT$24.983 million.
Laaulialemalietoa said changes were made during construction, including extra foundation work after geotechnical assessment, clear roofing to improve internal lighting, and the installation of solar panels. He said the solar system can produce up to 200 kilowatts, with two batteries able to store up to 400 kilowatts, and described it as the first government building in Samoa to use solar panels in what is being treated as a pilot for other public buildings.
He also thanked the Government of New Zealand for its financial support, along with project managers Tinai Gordon and Associates and contractor Zheng Construction. Addressing vendors directly, he said the new market was intended to provide a safer, cleaner and more resilient space for small businesses and stall operators to grow.
The official ceremony followed plans announced in February for a soft opening of the upgraded market on 7 March ahead of Luxon’s visit to Samoa.
The article is based on the Keynote Address by the Hon. Prime Minister, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, at the Official Opening of the New Savalalo Flea Market.
