Japan hands over 520kl water storage tank for 200 households in Sala’ilua village

Apia, Samoa – 21 August 2023: The Government of Japan has handed over an improved and more reliable water supply system for close to 2,300 people with 200 households, including a College and Primary School in Sala’ilua in Savai’i.

His Excellency, Mr. SENTA Keisuke, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Samoa, handed over the project last Friday, 18 August to the members of the village committee. The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Palauli No.1 constituency, Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo, the project committee and the Sala’ilua village community.

The project was funded through a grant of up to USD167,140 (SAT437,539.29) under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP).

Ambassador H.E. Mr. SENTA Keisuke cutting the ribbon and handed the project over to the Sala’ilua community.

The village Water Committee sought Japan’s assistance in 2022 to address a critical challenge faced by the village- the inadequate water supply from their existing storage system impacting the daily lives and livelihoods of its residents.

Japan was able to support the project committee with their efforts to secure a 520kl storage tank imported from Australia including the cost of installation. The project also included the comprehensive foundation work, connecting the new storage tank seamlessly with the existing tank to ensure efficient water flow and distribution.

According to Ambassador SENTA Keisuke, “Japan is committed to supporting the efforts of the people and the Government of Samoa to ensure Human Security and continue to enrich the existing warm and close relations between the Governments and the Peoples of Japan and Samoa.”

The new 520kl water storage tank provided under Japan’s GGP for 200 households of Salailua village.