SAMOA, July 4 - 4 July 2024

Apia, SAMOA – Today, the Governments of Samoa and Australia celebrate the groundbreaking for construction of Samoa’s new Legislative Assembly Office.

Located in Mulinu’u next to the Maota Fono – the construction of which was also funded by Australia and opened in 2019 – the Legislative Assembly Office will contribute to the heart of Samoa’s democratic institutions by housing Office of the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly and service Members of Parliament.

The Groundbreaking Ceremony on 4 July was attended by Prime Minister the Honourable Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, Honourable Speaker Papalii Lio Oloipola Taeu Masipa’u, Members of Parliament and the Australian High Commissioner His Excellency Will Robinson.

Honorable Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa, Speaker of the House Honorable Papali’i Oloipola Li’o Ta’eu Masipau, and Australian High Commissioner His Excellency Mr Will Robinson turned the soil on site, along with the Reverend Esera Esera and representative from Reeves International Pty Ltd, which was awarded the construction contract following open tender, with the support of Samoan firms.

The new Legislative Assembly Office building will be a modern, functional, and climate resilient building to support the 21st century needs of Samoa's parliamentary and democratic customs.

The construction will follow the Quality Infrastructure Principles that were agreed by Pacific Island Forum members in 2023, including: an emphasis on the use of local labour, developing local talent and supporting local business; climate resilience and energy efficiency; and inclusivity, including for people with disabilities and women’s participation. Construction will be fully funded by Australia, will no loans or debt to 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 to ensuring ongoing and improved access for the people of Samoa to parliamentary processes supporting Samoa’s and Australia’s good governance strategies.”

“Australia and Samoa share democratic principles, upon which our Governments are built,” said High Commissioner Robinson. “These 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 July 2024. Construction will pause prior to and during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October 2024.

END.

SOURCE – PaParliament of SamoaAuAustralian High Commission, Samoa