PM Opening Remarks of the New Savalalo Flea Market Project

2026-03-18 - 04:23

Susuga ile Taitai ole Sauniga – Rev Alesana Afamasaga Hon. Prime Minister of New Zealand  Right Hon. Christopher Luxon and your Delegation  Deputy Prime Ministers & Ministers of Cabinet  Hon. Speaker of the House  Hon. Leader of the Opposition  Hon. Associate Ministers  Hon. Members of Parliament  Members of the Diplomatic Corps  Chief Executive Officers of Ministries and Govt Corporations  Members of the Business Community  Flea market and Food stall operators  Ladies and Gentlemen. Talofa Lava and Warm Greetings Today marks a proud and historic moment for our country as we officially open the new Savalalo market here in the heart of Apia. This market is more than a building of timber, steel and concrete. It is the living heartbeat of our people – a place where our culture, our economy and our community come together. I extend a warm welcome to the Honourable Prime Minister of New Zealand, Right Hon. Christopher Luxon, and your esteemed delegations. Welcome back to Samoa, I believe this is your third visit following the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) of October 2024. Your Excellency, your attendance today is a powerful symbol of the enduring partnership and friendship between our two nations. Our relationship is founded on shared history, mutual respect and strong people-to-people ties that span generations across the Pacific Ocean. The new Savalalo market marks another milestone in the development of the Apia Waterfront Project. This market has always been a cornerstone of Samoa life. For decades, it has been the place where farmers rise before dawn to bring their fresh taro, bananas, breadfruit and vegetables; where fishers return from the sea with their daily catch; where artisans display fine-mats and handicrafts; and where families gather not only to trade, but to connect. The unfortunate fire incident in early 2016 destroyed the former Savalalo market. The previous Government initially planned to build a new Market at its new location on Government land at Sogi. But when the FAATUATUA ILE ATUA SAMOA UA TASI became the next Government in 2021, we decided the best place is Savalalo, its original place. Why? This place is central and very ideal to our people whenever they come to Apia. Its easily accessible and cheap compared to shifting to Sogi. The new facility stands as a testament to resilience and vision. We have faced natural disasters, calamities, global economic challenges, and the unprecedented trials of a pandemic. Yet, through unity and determination, we rebuilt stronger. This market represents opportunity for small businesses to grow, for women entrepreneurs to succeed, for young people to participate in commerce, and for rural people to access the urban market. Project Cost: The total project cost is $30.0 million tala. This was made possible with the generous donation from the Government of New Zealand of NZD$12.0 million dollars (or $20.0 million tala) whilst the Government of Samoa contributed $10.0 million tala through Samoa Land Corporation. Design and Build Contractor: Zheng Construction Company Limited, a local company won the bid for the detailed design and construction of the Savalalo market with a bid of $24.983 million tala. Originally, the construction of the new market was for 18 months up to September 2025 but the Contractor requested an additional 3 months up to December 2025 to complete. Variations: Like many other projects, there are variations to the original design and include:  Additional foundation works due to Geotech assessment of the site.  Installation of clear roofing in the middle of the building to enhance lighting inside the building, replacing the tent like structures in the original concept design, and  Installation of solar panels to produce electricity for the whole building. These variations were all covered under the total project cost of $30.0 million tala. Solar power: This is the first-time solar panels have been installed in a Government Building, and we are commissioning as a pilot project for other Government buildings to consider. The Solar panels can produce up to 200 Kilowatts which is self-sufficient and more than enough to service the whole building at any time. The building’s maximum solar power consumption is expected to be around 120 kilowatts per day which means around 80 kilowatts is not used. This is why two large solar batteries have been installed to store up to 400 kilowatts of solar power. The surplus power can be transferred to the Electric Power Corporation for an additional income. It will certainly contribute and help to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels but promote renewable energy and thereby supports Samoa’s Third National Determined Contributions and reinforces our commitment to achieving our national target of 70 percent renewable energy use by 2031. Acknowledgement:  Government of NZ I would like to acknowledge with much appreciation this major financial contribution of $12.0 million NZ dollars ($20.0 million tala) from the Government of New Zealand which ha given rise to the new Savalalo market we are opening today.. We are indeed indebted and thankful for your continued strong support for the development of Samoa.  Tinai Gordon & Associates: The project manager for this project is Tinai Gordon and Associates Company Limited represented by afioga Leiataua Tom Tinai and assisted by Ms Anne Milbank. Faafetai tele Leiataua for the hard work right from the start and we appreciate your commitment in keeping the Contractor compliant.  Contractor – Zheng Construction Company Limited: I like to acknowledge the Contractor – afioga Taotua Peizhing Wang, the high chief from Salelologa and Managing Director of Zheng Construction Company for this excellent job. Thank you for constructing this state-of-the-art market infrastructure. I also like to thank many other individuals, groups and companies who have assisted and contributed in numerous ways in order for this project to become a reality. Faafetai tele To our vendors, this is your home. You are the backbone of our informal and local economy. Your hard work feeds our families and sustains our traditions. The Government ensures the creation of a safe, clean, modern, and resilient infrastructure so that your enterprises can flourish with dignity and security. To our partners, including the Government and people of New Zealand, we express our sincere gratitude for your cooperation and support. Development is strongest when it is built on partnership and today’s opening reflects what we can achieve together in the spirit of national solidarity. As we cut the ribbon today, we are not merely opening a new marketplace. We are opening doors – doors to economic empowerment, food security, climate- resilient infrastructure, and inclusive growth. May this market continue to echo the voices of bargaining and laughter May it showcase the abundance of our land and sea May it strengthen our families, our villages and our culture and traditionsAnd may it stand for generations as a symbol of progress rooted in tradition. We pray to the Almighty for his guidance and protection over this new Market. To protect our people who will operate different businesses in this market and our visiting families, friends from overseas, and tourists. Kia ora and thank you to the Government and people of Aotearoa New Zealand. God Bless our Land, our People, our Partners, our Future.