“Information and Communication Technology (I.C.T.) is recognised as an increasingly powerful tool for improving the delivery of services and enhancing local development opportunities as well as participating in the global economy” – P.M. Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi
Samoa is now more connected than ever following the launch of the $46,486,780 Samoa National Broadband Highway Project (S.N.B.H.P.) yesterday.
The project aims to link the different government ministries, corporations, authorities, schools and communities. The launch was held at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital in Moto’otua.
Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegao, said the project was funded through the assistance of China through a soft loan of US$20,400,000 in an arrangement between the two countries.
In his keynote address, Prime Minister Tuilaepa said the S.N.B.H.P. is another first for Samoa.
“Information and Communication Technology (I.C.T.) is recognised as an increasingly powerful tool for improving the delivery of services and enhancing local development opportunities as well as participating in the global economy,” said Tuilaepa.
He said this is why the government is prioritising broadband, with the project implemented under the approval of the broadband policy of Samoa 2012-2017.
According to the Prime Minister, the government’s vision is having access to broadband infrastructure for domestic data and voice and internet services linking all government ministries, corporations, authorities and introducing access for all schools and hospitals and rural communities to government services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Tuilaepa said this is to promote a more transparent and efficient government through the use of I.C.T.
The implementation of the project started in April 2013 he said and is extended to communities in Savai’i he added.
As the leading technology in the world, not only is it a first for Samoa it is a first for the Pacific, said Tuilaepa, its cutting technology puts it ahead of local providers Bluesky, Digicel and Computer Services Limited (C.S.L.).
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“All government agencies in Apia and around the country will be connected to the network quicker and easier for the exchange of information,” he said.
He also added that the broadband is fundamental to ensure connectivity at sea and in the air as well as on land in the remote areas.
In this way, he said it will facilitate emergencies, human caring, distance learning amongst other aspects.
Tuilaepa said that the S.N.B.H.P. would enhance the health sector immensely in diagnosing symptoms and mapping epidemics and the outbreaks of disease.
The project will also ensure that opportunities for women and girls to participate and engage in economic and leadership development, he said.
The Prime Minister also thanked the government of the People’s Republic of China through for their continuous assistance to Samoa.
He said the technical solution provider and main contributor of the project is Huawei Technologies.
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