Japan hands over equipment to improve Samoa Fire & Emergency services

APIA, SAMOA – 15 SEPTEMEBR 2022: The Government of Japan today handed over further equipment in its on-going assistance to the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (SFESA) in improving the standards of their vital services across the country.

The equipment included one used rescue truck, three used ambulances and two new rescue boats and were handed over at the SFESA Headquarters in Apia this morning.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Samoa, H.E. Mr. SENTA Keisuke represented his Government at the Handover Ceremony attended by the Acting Prime Minister, Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio, the Minister of Finance, Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o, Chairman of the Board, Mua’ausa Joseph Walter, members of the diplomatic corps and distinguished guests.

The funded emergency rescue equipment.

The project was funded through Japan’s the on-going Grant Assistance Scheme for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP).

A grant of up to USD 140,120 (approximately SAT 346,000) was signed over to SFESA in March last year for the procurement, reconditioning and shipment of the emergency rescue equipment from Japan.

The second-hand vehicles were formerly used by Japanese local public organizations and were brought to Samoa through the Society of Promotion of Japanese Diplomacy.

It is envisaged that the project will not only benefit the people of Samoa whose lives and properties will be saved, but will also enhance the capacity of SFESA workers who will handle the technical operation of the equipment.

Japan’s GGP programme aligns with Samoa’s national plan, “Pathway for the Development of Samoa 2021-2026” in order to assist social areas across Samoa that are in much need of improvement.

The development assistance has been on-going for 31 years, which focuses on small scale projects that directly benefit the grassroots level as well as contributing to the socio-economic development of Samoa.

Distinguished guests at today’s handover ceremony.