Cabinet Approves $3 Million to Upgrade Savalalo and Fugalei Bus Stops

2026-02-19 - 05:57

Work will restart next week to fix and upgrade the bus stops at the markets in Savalalo and Fugalei after Cabinet approved $3 million tala for the project. Prime Minister of Samoa, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt, said the funding will be used to fully repair the bus stations. This includes resealing the ground, rebuilding the waiting shelters, and improving the areas where buses park, drop off, and pick up passengers. Government approves $3m to upgrade bus stops at the markets in Fugalei and Savalalo. Photo: Grace Pouoa. “O le mea e paka ai pasi, o le mea e fai ai le drop off ma le pick up..” He explained that the Government hopes to finish the work by 7 March 2026 so everything is ready before the visit of the Prime Minister of New Zealand on March 16–18. The plan is to have a soft opening of the upgraded market facilities on March 7th followed by an official opening during the visit. The Prime Minister also warned that shops currently operating outside near the bus stop area must move into the new market. He said no outside stalls will be allowed to continue because some have been selling restricted and illegal goods. “E leai se faleoloa e tasi e toe fai i fafo, ona o lea ua atagia o lea e faatau ai ma isi mea faasaina..” In addition, the Government plans to change market opening hours to better support farmers and vendors. This includes introducing a weekly night shopping day, possibly on Thursdays or Fridays, where the market could stay open until 10 or 11 at night. He also announced that starting next week, the Fugalei Market will move toward operating 24 hours a day. The goal is to make it easier for families and sellers to buy and sell their products at any time, while helping small farmers earn income. The Prime Minister said these changes are part of a strategy to lift the market experience in Samoa, and make it more available and accessible, safe, and convenient for the public.