223 new village signages to make navigation easier around Samoa

By LISE SCHMIDT/

Apia, Samoa – 25 January 2024: In an effort to enhance accessibility and promote villages and community identity, 223 villages – 146 in Upolu and 77 in Savaii have received new signages. The initiative aims to not only beautify these areas but provide directions for both residents and visitors travelling around the country.

Samoa Tourism Authority collaborated with the New Zealand Government under the Samoa Tourism Recovery and Resilience Program to implement the signage project, which included village names. The project was launched this week and the new signage are expected to significantly improve navigation and boost the overall sense of community pride.

Chair of the Samoa Tourism Authority Board, Tauiliili Alise Stunnenberg said the Village Signage Projects holds a particular significance as Samoa prepares to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in October.

The project has been funded by the New Zealand Government for the past 20 years.

“Our Profound gratitude goes to the New Zealand Government for its unwavering support and dedication for its enhancement of the Samoa Tourism Sector through the NZA Program,” said Tauiliili.

Acknowledging the New Zealand government and the High Commissioner’s contribution to the tourism project.

The High Commissioner of New Zealand in Samoa, His Excellency Dr Trevor Matheson who is coming to the end of his term, said the quality of the new signs are much improved in order to last longer.

“The assistance that we are providing to Samoa, is to continue to improve the tourism sector, and with a lot of research we have looked at the signage and designed the new ones and we were asked to provide quality signage that would last, so this new one are made of metal wood should be able to last longer,” said Matheson.

The success of the project highlights the potential for small-scale initiatives to make a substantial impact on the lives of people. The signs promise increased visibility and a stronger community identity in these 223 villages that are poised for a brighter and more connected future.