About $5 million is being spent by the Lolo Lemanu administration to carry out critical work at the government shipyard at Satala.
That’s according to remarks by Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga at the groundbreaking ceremony for a new building that will house workshops at the shipyard,
The Governor thanked the American Samoa Economic Development Authority board as well as the Department of Interior for the funding to carry out the needed improvements.
Lolo said he told the Shipyard Services Authority board he would like to see a new look for the shipyard by 2018.
It was also necessary to have the shipyard certified and be insured to protect not just employees and also for vessels that will be repaired there,
Governor Lolo told the gathering of government officials and lawmakers that since August 2015, he’s been discussing with Directors Keniseli Lafaele and Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Poumele about improving the Satala shipyard and slipway.
Chief Executive officer if the Shipyard, Moefa’auo Bill Emmsley said the shipyard is a valuable asset of the government which must be maintained.
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Moefa’auo also said that the only nearby shipyard is in New Zealand and Fiji has one but is not of the standard of the local shipyard.
Rev. Patolo Mageo of the Pago Pago CCJS offered prayers to bless the project.
Guests included Secretary of Samoan Affairs Mauga Tasi Asuega, Manu’a District Governor Misaalefua Hudson, Senate President Pro Temp Saoluaga Nua and a few senators, Representative Maugaoalii Sipa Anoa’i, Department of Interior Rep. Lydia Faleafine, and several directors.
