[Source: Press Secretariat]
The Apia Waterfront Development Project continues to move forward with the implementation of the Waterfront Plan, following the ground-breaking ceremony for the Event Space and Clock Tower Boulevard by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi in front of the FMFMII Government Building.
The Event Space and Clock Tower Boulevard project is funded by the Government of New Zealand, with works to begin soon after the ground breaking ceremony within the next 12 months.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa in his keynote address acknowledged the kind assistance from the New Zealand Government and spoke about the primary focus of the project for capital.
“This ground breaking ceremony provides evidences of the commitment to activate and to carry out plans already in place for the beautification of our city of Apia. In 2016 we launched the Apia Waterfront Plan for the decade to 2026. The primary focus of this plan is to layout a vision by the government for the development and use of the Apia Waterfront by our people in the long term.”
“I would like to convey our very sincere appreciation to the Government of New Zealand and the NZAID program for the grant financing that not only supported the development of the Apia Waterfront Plan but also committing right through to the grant financing of the infrastructure which is about to begin.” Said the Prime Minister in his keynote address.
The 10.5 million tala project activity covers the outdoor performance space in front of the FMFMII Government Building, transforming it to become the central space for Government Events, and onwards to the Clock Tower with an attractive pedestrian walkway to the waterfront edge.
The Waterfront Plan 2017-2026 guides growth and development of the waterfront area over the next 10 years and more to be in line with the vision of having ‘an attractive destination connecting people to unique places and Samoan experiences’.
Improving the Apia Waterfront will further showcase Apia as one of the leading sustainable tourism destinations in the Pacific region, opening up Samoa for investment while creating more jobs and business opportunities for locals.
There will be strong focus on creating an inclusive, safe and clean waterfront for locals and visitors alike to enjoy and support opportunities for local business initiatives.
The Waterfronts Plan has identified four distinctive areas along the waterfront for redevelopment: Mulinuu Waterfront – from Mulinuu to Sogi; Apia Waterfront Central – from the Savalalo market to the Mulivai Bridge; Apia Waterfront Harbour – beach road towards the Matautu Wharf; Vaiala Waterfront – from the Palolo Deep Reserve to part of the Taumeasina area.