Foreign aid funds major infrustructure projects in Samoa

vaisigano-bridge

A $US4 billion Chinese aid package to the Pacific region planned for 2018 will allow the Samoan Government to implement some major developments.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi is reported by TV1 Samoa as saying that several projects will be funded from grants and loans from the Chinese aid package but he did not elaborate which projects.

Tuilaepa said two new bridges will be built including a replacement for the age old iconic Vaisigano Bridge on Beach Road right next to Sheraton Aggie Greys Hotel which was recently bought by Chinese interests.

The other bridge will span the Mali’oli’o River at Samalaeulu in Savai’i.

Bailey bridges will also be donated by the Australian Government for emergencies, particularly during natural disasters.

The Japanese Government funded reconstruction of the Apia wharf is due to be completed in June this year.

A new domestic airport will be built at Aleipata District to the east of Upolu island and will bring the number of domestic airports to four.

Fagalii Airport is the only domestic airport that is fully operational.

The Tui Samoa Submarine Communications Cable is due to go on line this month.