Faleolo Airport completed in March

By Ilia L. Likou 18 January 2018, 12:00AM

In its bid to strengthen the bilateral ties between Samoa and China, the Chinese Embassy has invited the Samoan media to visit some of its major projects in the country today.

The sites include the Faleolo International Airport, Chinese Agricultural Demonstration Farm site at Nu’u and the Apia Park Stadium and Aquatic Centre.

Project Manager of Shanghai Construction, Jerry Shi, said the airport will officially open in March or April this year.

“The Government will decide the exact date of the opening but we can only assure you what month the project [officially] opens,” he said.

The second phase of the project, that is nearing completion, involves the arrival area which will be housed on the site of the former Faleolo terminal.

Those arriving in Samoa are shepherded through a makeshift area which was formerly used for storing cargo.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, while opening the first phase of the development in November last year, praised the quality of the facility saying it was a state-of-the-art development.

“This new departure area is equipped with modern technology for passengers,” he said.

“Samoa Airport Authority’s vision is to be the Pacific hub of air travel. It is government’s hope that more new air carriers will make use of the new Faleolo facilities to push our tourism and trade transport.”

Tuilaepa also acknowledged that there had been many complaints about the development, with the public questioning the government’s foreign debt.

By Ilia L. Likou 18 January 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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