Samoa signs up for better wharf

With the finalisation of the draft outline Design Report and the signing of the Minutes of Discussion (M.O.D.) for the “Enhancement of the safety of Apia Port” project, port safety at the Matautu wharf has received a much-needed boost.

The assistance, worth US$30million (T$70m), is being provided by Japan.

The signing was held on Friday at the Prime Minister’s Office between the government of Samoa and the government of Japan, represented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (J.I.C.A).

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi signed on behalf of Samoa. Representing Japan was the Mission Leader for the Project, Yoshimoto Koyanagi.

The design which has been given the thumbs up will enhance the safety of operations carried out at the Matautu wharf.

The project is focused on three main components:

First, to ensure ship manoeuvring safety;

Second, to ensure ship berthing and mooring safety;

Third, to ensure cargo handling operation and passenger traffic safety.

The repair of tug boats and the repair and improvement of navigation aids is part of the first component.

The second component of the project includes the extension of new wharf, rehabilitation of fenders and the improvement of mooring facilities.

While the third component includes the rehabilitation and improvement of container yard, separation of passenger and cargo flows, alteration of usage of oil tank (combustible goods to incombustible goods storage) inside the container terminal and the rehabilitation of access road. Japan and Samoa will finalise and sign the project Grant Agreement around mid-year in 2015. The construction work is expected to start in January 2016. It is expected to be completed by September 2017.