BAT Completes Community Water Project for Apolima Tai Island

Source: Press Release

APIA, SAMOA – 14 JANUARY 2022: British American Tobacco Samoa (BAT Samoa) is continuing its Constituency’s Community Water Project with the upgrade of the natural water spring on Apolima Tai Island.

This project is in line with BAT Samoa’s overall Environment Social & Governance initiatives (ESG) to Build a Better Tomorrow™ by delivering excellence in environmental management, a positive social impact and robust corporate governance. Through this assistance, BAT Samoa is assisting the Government of Samoa in meeting its Sustainable Development Goals.

The upgraded water spring

The upgrading of the Apolima Tai water spring began through robust collaboration between BAT Samoa and the Samoa Water Authority.

This included Samoa Water Authority CEO, Fuimaono Dominic Schwalger and Taiulu Savelio Imo providing technical assistance and laboratory services to test the water quality of the spring.

The General Manager of BAT Samoa, Seulupe Michelle Macdonald also acknowledges the village Pastor and the people of Apolima Island for giving BAT Samoa the opportunity to be part of this valuable initiative.

“I want to acknowledge Reverend Amosa Silipa who was the facilitator of the request. They have asked for assistance for many years, and I’m pleased that BAT was able to help,” said Seulupe.

On Wednesday 29 December 2021, the BAT Samoa team travelled to Apolima Tai to officially hand over the completed project to the village. The total project cost was $25,000 for materials which were provided by BAT Samoa with labour provided by the village.

Earlier this year, a similar drinking water project was completed at Faasaleleaga No. 2 Constituency in the village of Fusi.

These on-going initiatives reflect BAT Samoa’s commitment to sustainability and demonstrate their integrated approach to ESG. Water is a valuable resource and BAT Samoa is proud to restore this natural ecosystem for the present and future generations of Apolima Island.

BAT Staff on the beachfront of the main entrance to Apolima Island – Maryann Vaiula, Tumau Tafunai Ah Siu, Manupule Teueli, Agnes Fruean – BAT Samoa Marketing Manager, and June Vaisagote