Japan to replace Lady Naomi

lady-naomi

Lady Naomi, the grand old lady of inter-island travel between the two Samoas, is to be replaced.

Samoa’s Transport Minister, Papali’itele Niko Lee Hang, told Parliament this week that the Japanese government will fund the replacement with a $US23 million grant.

He did not say when the replacement ferry will arrive but Lady Naomi has been sailing between the Samoas for more than 20 years.

The government is also looking at replacing the Lady Samoa III currently serving the Mulifanua-Salelologa route.

There have been public concerns lately on the safety of the ferry with passengers posting photos of rusted fittings and rundown bathroom facilities.

Replacing the Savai’i ferry will be timely after electoral law changes compels registered voters to travel to their electoral districts to vote.

Voting is now also compulsory meaning many voters travelling between the islands during elections.

The replacement ferry is expected sometime next year in time for the 2021 General Elections.

The Lady Samoa III was built for the Samoa Government in 2009.

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