Samoa has launched the Pacific Region Preparedness, Adaptation and Resilience Project, known as PREPARE Samoa, to strengthen the country’s ability to respond to natural disasters and climate-related risks.
Deputy Prime Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo officially launched the project, describing it as a long-term investment in Samoa’s infrastructure, emergency preparedness and the wellbeing of its people.
The project is being implemented through a partnership between the Government of Samoa and the World Bank. The Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Ministry of Finance have been involved in its preparation and implementation.
Mulipola said Samoa continued to face increasing threats from natural disasters, climate change and unplanned development within its urban areas.
She said these risks affected land, communities, public infrastructure and the lives of Samoa’s people, requiring stronger planning and more resilient development.
PREPARE Samoa will be delivered through four main areas.
The first will strengthen Samoa’s systems for monitoring weather conditions and providing early warnings for natural disasters and emergencies.
New technology and warning equipment will be installed to improve the collection and distribution of weather and hazard information. The project will also support the construction of a new meteorological facility to improve the services available to the country.
The second component will strengthen Samoa’s emergency response capabilities and coordination between government agencies.
It will also include plans for additional fire stations in Savai‘i to improve emergency services available to communities across the island.
A major part of the project will focus on the development of Salelologa and the rehabilitation of government buildings and public infrastructure within the town.
Plans include improving Salelologa’s urban development, upgrading roads and strengthening coastal protection.
The Salelologa market will also be redeveloped to accommodate branches of government ministries currently based in Upolu, making government services more accessible to people living in Savai‘i.
The development will include a children’s playground and public recreational areas similar to the parks and public spaces available in Apia.
“The Government remains firm in its belief that what is good for Upolu is also good for Salafai,” Mulipola said.
The fourth component will establish emergency financing that the Government can access when natural disasters or other major emergencies occur.
Mulipola said the funding mechanism represented forward planning by the Government to protect Samoa’s development and support the country’s people during future emergencies.
She said the success of the project would depend on cooperation between the Government, development partners, private businesses and village communities.
“This project is for the benefit of all our people,” she said.
The Government expects PREPARE Samoa to improve disaster preparedness, strengthen essential infrastructure and support more resilient development for future generations.
This article is based on the keynote address delivered by Deputy Prime Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo at the official launch of the PREPARE Samoa project.
