Japan funds $1.7m projects for Police and Prisons

APIA, SAMOA – 17 MARCH 2023: The work of the Ministry of Police, Prisons and Corrections in keeping Samoa safe will be greatly enhanced through a grant from the Government and the People of Japan.

Under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP), two projects to the value of USD 666,925 (approximately SAT 1,774,000) in total have been approved for the Ministry of Police and Prisons.

The Grant Assistance was signed yesterday by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Samoa, H.E. Mr. SENTA Keisuke and the Minister for Police and Prisons, Faualo Harry Jeffrey Schuster.

The grant of USD 353,988 (approximately SAT 942,000) will fund 10 new Toyota Land Cruisers to boost the Police’s daily operations for protecting the public against crime and threats.

Another grant of USD 312,937 (approximately SAT832,000) will fund the provision of 2 new Toyota Land Cruisers, 1 new Toyota 30 Seat Coaster and 1 new Isuzu Cargo Truck for the Prison services. It will also fund the construction of a new prison hall with a stage, kitchen, storage and 4 toilets and 4 shower rooms including a 5,000 liter water tank for the Vaiaata Prison.

Japans Ambassador to Samoa, H.E. Mr. SENTA Keisuke and the Minister for Police and Prisons, Faualo Harry Jeffrey Schuster with Police & Prisons top management.

The assistance is to improve the correctional services through humane treatment of inmates and contribute to a safe and crime-free society in Samoa.

According to Japan Ambassador, it is anticipated that this assistance will greatly contribute in enhancing efficient and effective services with the best resources to carry out daily services of the Ministry.

The Government of Japan continues to assist and commit in improving its relations with the Government of the Independent State of Samoa as this year marks the 50^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two Governments.

Japan’s GGP aims to support small-scale projects directly benefitting the grass-roots level, as well as contributing to the socio-economic development of the Independent State of Samoa.

The Government of Japan welcomes the opportunities to further work in partnership with the Government of Samoa with a view to advancing human security and community development projects at grass-roots level.