New $16M Court House Complex in Savai’i Breaks Ground

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA -13 May 2026 – The construction of a $16.1 million tala Court House Complex for Savaii is in progress after the ground-breaking ceremony led by Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt and the Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese last Friday.

Leading the ceremony, Rev. Asosili Suesue highlighted that the important development marked a major milestone for the people of Samoa, especially the people of Savai’i who seek justice through the Courts.

Prime Minister, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt emphasized that this development is “for Samoa, built by Samoa, for our people.”

The new Savai’i Court Complex is valued at approximately $16.1 million tala, fully funded by the Government of Samoa – a project truly by Samoa for Samoa.

Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt.

La’auli reflected on the vision of the late former Prime Minister of Samoa from Savai’i, Hon. Tofilau Eti Alesana, that “what is good for Apia should also be good for Savai’i.”

Laauli said this development stands as a continuation of that vision and Government’s ongoing commitment to delivering the infrastructure Samoa needs most.

Significantly, the project will see the relocation of the Tuasivi Court Complex to the Salelologa township which is more central for the island.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that the Judiciary is one of the three key pillars of Government and reaffirmed Government’s commitment to ensuring the Judiciary receives the full support needed to carry out its important responsibilities.

An aerial view of the new court house complex location near the Saleologa market and the wharf.

The Savaii Court House Complex project is to be executed in three phases:

Phase 1: involves the construction of the Court House Complex, awarded to Ah-Liki Construction.

Phase 2: includes the development of Judges’ Residences, assigned to New Era Construction.

Phase 3: focuses on Landscaping and Civil Works, awarded to Apia Lua Limited.

The new Savai’i Court Complex is targeted for completion in February 2028.