Nine restaurants will be using the $1.1 million Food Court premises that was officially opened at Fugalei yesterday.

Located next to the Fugalei market, the premises will provide the people of Samoa the opportunity to set up businesses, which the Government encourages to build and sustain the private sector. 

Most importantly is providing a place of quality and high standard where people of Samoa and visitors can have and enjoy a wide variety of food.

Minister of Public Enterprises Lautafi Fio Purcell in his keynote address said the project was undertaken by the Accident Compensation Corporation (A.C.C.) long in the pipeline following the completion of the main Fugalei Market building in 2014.

“Food stalls were an integral part of the old market service, which had lot of problems that A.C.C. face, especially the quality of food produced for the consumption of the public,” he said.

“In addition, the spots allocated for the production of food required improvement and the sewage system needed overhaul which the Ministry of Health had found wanting.”

Furthermore, he said the project was brought to the attention of Cabinet for its endorsement on 30 May 2017 with the contract awarded to Schwalger Designs and Build Ltd and Tinai Gordon and Associates as Project Manager.

“The contract was signed on 10 July, 2017 and construction commenced on 18 September 2017,” he said.

“The cost of the project is $988,584.95 and consultancy as Project Manager by Tinai Gordon and Associates at $172,500.

“The cost of the whole project is $1, 161, 84.95.

“As predicted, this new food court premises will become part of the development strategy growth of our country and mainly a place where food is most appropriately cooked to health standards requirement and also taking into account the drive to lessen non-communicable diseases.”

Lautafi explained: “It’s now a challenge for the A.C.C. Board of Directors, management and staff to keep these facilities in running order and the various food operators using these resources to be resolute and resourceful,” he said.

“To the people of our country using the food court, may you find the service to your satisfaction.”

The nine restaurants that will be using the new premises are Taro King – Taumafa Samoa, Fia’s BBQ House, Lupe’s Catering, Fryer’s Delicacy, Scanlan’s Restaurant, Jayo’s Noodle House, Willie’s on Wheel Takeaway, Faps Food and Le Aiga Fast Food.