A project which has been on the drawing boards for more than a decade , construction of a service wharf at the main dock in Fagatogo was dedicated today.
Despite wet weather a large crowd of government officials and members of the business community gathered at the site of the more than 300 foot long dock to celebrate the successful completion of this major infrastructure project.
Contactor Fletcher Construction, headed by Dean Hudson built the dock below budget and within the allotted time frame.
Hudson said that the concrete used to build the dock is 1 2,000 psi and piles were driven to depths of 256 feet in the ocean.
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Hudson was especially proud of the fact that the project was built under budget , costing $8.2 million and even with some add on work, they finished within the allotted time frame.
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Hudson thanked concrete suppliers Samoa Maritime and McConnell Dowell.
Interior’s Field Representative Lydia Faleafine, port engineers and the Fletcher crew who had to work some strange hours as some of the work depended on the tides.
Port Director Taimalelagi Dr.
Claire Poumele recalled remarks by Governor Lolo at the opening of the ASC Multi Purpose Center that the structures being built today are not for now but for the future and future generations.
There was a change of project engineers when the funding ran out and the original engineer Becca left.
Then local engineers continued from that point to oversee the project. Taimaleleagi thanked Public Works Director Faleosina Voigt and Port Administration engineers James Tamasese and Natalia Palamo.
Governor Lolo quoted statements from the opening of the community swimming pool last week that it is better to have two or three people in charge rather then one because if one fails, the others can step in.
He said after a major project is completed, it becomes clear that many others are needed.
Lolo was thankful that such a huge project has been successfully carried out and will serve the needs of the territory.
He said for 2018 about $50 million is needed to carry out other needed infrastructure jobs.
He said, “we will continue to design and go search for funding.
But for other jobs, we must move on them rather than wait.
For example the DPS Building and the Jean P. Haydon Museum.
The governor expressed appreciation to the Department of Interior and the Fono for their support.
Rev. Iasepi Ulu of the Fagatogo CCCAS blessed the new dock and the beautiful singing of his congregation’s choir rang above the pitter patter of rain.
