Congregational Christian Church of Samoa opens $17.3million Jubilee Church

By Ilia L. Likou 19 May 2017, 12:00AM

It’s taken a while but a masterpiece now stands at Malua as a reminder of mankind’s spirit to persevere through challenges and hardship.

Yesterday was a joyous occasion for members of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa when they celebrated the opening of their $17.39million Jubilee Church.

The official opening was attended by the Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, Members of the Council of Deputies, Parliamentarians, members of the business community and hundreds of guests.

They joined members of the church in thanksgiving to acknowledge the hand of God over the construction work.

The Masiofo, Her Highness Filifilia Tamasese cut the ribbon while the Chairman of the Church, Reverend Elder Tautiaga Senara conducted the service.

The project, which started in 2014, was initially estimated to cost $7million. The exact outstanding debt for the building was not revealed during the report of the Jubilee yesterday.

The media was banned from inside during the service. 

The General Secretary of the Church, Reverend Vavatau Taufao, refused to speak to the Samoa Observer when an attempt was made to get more details about the project (see other story).

The building was scheduled to be opened in 2015. But that did not happen.

A while ago, the Church's Chairman of their Finance Committee, Le Mamea Ropati Mualia, confirmed that C.C.C.S had borrowed $15million from the Samoa National Provident Fund (S.N.P.F) for the project – and other developments.

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

During the groundbreaking in 2014, Shanghai Construction was awarded the contract for foundation and fill, Fletcher Construction carried out most of the framework, while the exterior was to be installed and maintained by South Pacific Cladding.

By Ilia L. Likou 19 May 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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