Iconic turtle pool may be covered

By Ilia L. Likou 06 March 2017, 12:00AM

Trees may be cut down and a part of the iconic, turtle pool at Malua Theological College may be covered.

This was confirmed by the General Secretary of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa, Reverend Vavatau Taofao in an interview with the Samoa Observer.

“That’s part of the proposed plan,” Reverend Vavatau said.

“It is only a small part of the whole pool which will be covered, and some trees will be cut so there is a clear view of the Jubilee Church from the front road.

“The church is also looking at ways to keep this pool.” 

A reliable source had earlier told the Samoa Observer that the church was finalising plans this month for the turtle pool.

“As of today, the church is not sure, how much of the pool will be covered.” the source had said.

“But, it’s won’t be definite until the meeting this month or when the Jubilee Church is completed.”

The multi-million-tala Jubilee Church at Malua was scheduled to be opened in May this year during the church’s annual Malua conference.

This too was confirmed by the General Secretary of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S), Reverend Vavatau Taufao.

“We’re expecting (the opening of the Jubilee Church) in the month of May this year in either the first or second week of the church’s Annual General Assembly,” he said.

The total cost of the Jubilee Church is also an unknown.

Reverend Vavatau said that this is, “... because the work is still continuing.”

In an update on the Church’s website dated 3 February 2017, it was said that the project is close to being completed.

“There is still some work being done by Diamond Head Design and Build Construction Company, FPA Construction and the painting and carving being carried out by the Art School.”

The report said the plaster and water-proofing work being carried out by VW Constriction was almost finished. Aluminium Designs has been tasked with doors and windows.

“The installation of these will be put on hold until most of the work done inside is completed,” the report said.

“The electrical works continue which is overseen by Telecomp Tronics Ltd. 

 “The building of chairs and windows progresses well and Ott Construction has already started work on the side of the church building.”

Other parts of the work cannot be undertaken until the scaffolds are removed from inside the building the report read.

“Vestry room to store bibles and other prayer materials have already been placed.”

The tiling work was awarded to Fepuleai Flooring Company.

During the Church’s annual conference last year, a special subcommittee was appointed to speed up the work on the project.

At the meeting, it was revealed that the project has already cost more than  $10million.

The amount was confirmed during the General Assembly.

The breakdown of the abovementioned cost of $10,107,951.32 include the labour cost of $5,149,630, hirage cost at $628,327, materials at  $2,986,579.76, administration of $157,833.22 with the administration cost of 1,185,581.34.

The project, which started in 2014, was initially estimated to cost $7m. 

At that time, the building was scheduled to be opened in 2015.

Last year, the National Provident Fund approved the church’s loan of $15million tala. The church is now given 10 to 15 years to pay the loan with yearly payments of $1.7million.

According to the Chairman of the Church Finance Committee, Le Mamea Ropati in a previous interview; the loan was for the completion of the church ongoing projects - including the Jubilee Church at Malua.

By Ilia L. Likou 06 March 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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