Japan to procure a new Drilling Rig Truck for the Samoa Water Authority

Apia, Samoa – 05 December 2024 – The Governments of Japan and Samoa today signed and exchanged notes to formalize Japan’s grant assistance of JPY390, 000,000 (approximately SAT6, 900,000) to procure a new drilling rig truck and related equipment for the Samoa Water Authority (SWA).

The Notes were signed and exchanged between Samoa’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Samoa, H.E. Mr. SENTA Keisuke.

The assistance will significantly enhance the Samoa Water Authority’s capacity to sustainably manage and develop water resources to ensure a reliable water supply to meet the needs of the growing population while building resilience against climate-related challenges.

The Grant Assistance is aligned with the Pacific Climate Resilience initiative declared at the Tenth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 10) held earlier this year between Japan and the Pacific Islands Forum member countries.

Japan is a longstanding partner in the Water Sector; supporting technical training, infrastructure development and capacity building initiatives. Since 2006, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been working closely with SWA to improve water treatment filtration methods, enhance water safety, and reduce non-revenue water.

These collaborative efforts between the Governments of Japan and Samoa illustrate a shared commitment to advancing Samoa’s economic and social development while deepening the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.

During the signing ceremony, Ambassador Senta also expressed his sentiments for the support and cooperation extended to him during his term which will officially end on 9 December 2024.

The Prime Minister reciprocated by thanking and congratulating the Ambassador for a successful tenure and for his leadership in facilitating support towards strengthening the bilateral relationship and cooperation.

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