Apia, SAMOA – Today marks a significant milestone as the Governments of Samoa and Australia celebrate the groundbreaking for Samoa’s new Legislative Assembly Office.
Located in Mulinu’u, adjacent to the Maota Fono—also funded by Australia and inaugurated in 2019—the new Legislative Assembly Office aims to bolster Samoa’s democratic institutions. It will house the Office of the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly and serve Members of Parliament.
The Groundbreaking Ceremony on July 4th was attended by Prime Minister the Honourable Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, Honourable Speaker Papali’i Li’o Oloipola Ta’eu Masipa’u, Members of Parliament, and the Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Will Robinson.
Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, Speaker Papali’i Oloipola Li’o Ta’eu Masipa’u, and High Commissioner Mr. Will Robinson, alongside Reverend Esera Esera and representatives from Reeves International Pty Ltd, turned the soil on site. Reeves International Pty Ltd, supported by Samoan firms, was awarded the construction contract following an open tender.
The new Legislative Assembly Office will be a modern, functional, and climate-resilient building, designed to meet the 21st-century needs of Samoa’s parliamentary and democratic traditions.
The construction will adhere to the Quality Infrastructure Principles agreed upon by Pacific Island Forum members in 2023. These principles emphasize the use of local labor, talent development, support for local businesses, climate resilience, energy efficiency, and inclusivity, particularly for people with disabilities and women’s participation.
Australia will fully fund the construction, with no loans or debt burden on the Government of Samoa.
“I acknowledge with great gratitude the immense contribution by Australia to Samoa’s development goals,” said Prime Minister Fiame. “Its strong collaborative efforts ensure ongoing and improved access for the people of Samoa to parliamentary processes, supporting both Samoa’s and Australia’s good governance strategies.”
“Australia and Samoa share democratic principles upon which our Governments are built,” stated High Commissioner Robinson. “These principles are fundamental to the freedom and prosperity of our people. Along with the Maota Fono, the new Legislative Assembly Office will be an enduring symbol of Samoa and Australia’s partnership and common values.”
Construction is expected to span 22 months, commencing in July 2024, with a scheduled pause prior to and during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October 2024.
