The Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi Government is determined to develop a multipurpose transshipment port at Asau in Savai’i.
The Minister for Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Olo Fiti Vaai, told the EFKSTV weekly program Soalepule, last week, that they also want it as a backup to Samoa’s main international port at Matautu on Upolu Island.
“We are still trying to push for the Asau wharf in Savaii to back up the wharf at Matautu. Not only that, but we’re also trying to boost the economic development for residents in Savai’i,” he told the program.
In 2018 the former Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, confirmed that funding to widen and deepen the Asau channel had been secured.
He said, at that time, that the plan is to deepen the Asau channel to take on bigger vessels, which the veteran politician said would translate to economic benefits for Savai’i and the country.
“Access to Asau should attract new investors, big businesses and the potential for investors to lease lands for business developments and tourist accommodation facilities cannot be discounted,” said the Minister.
He added, it will translate to new jobs and fresh cash injected into the economy, not just Asau but across the board.
In 2020, a Chinese Embassy spokesperson in Samoa confirmed that the Human Rights Protection Party Administration, at that time, submitted a proposal for China to fund the Asau project.
She confirmed then that the Chinese government was conducting a feasibility study of the proposed project.
