There will be costs involved in Samoa taking on the responsibility of playing host to the 56-member state Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia in October 2024.

But the long-term benefits to the nation are expected to be immense, notably for the country’s tourism sector with up to 5,000 delegates expected to attend the global conference, which would also make history as it marks the first time a Pacific Islands nation will host CHOGM.

But increasing investment in infrastructure in Samoa, as the current Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Government moves to upgrade facilities in time for the summit next year, would be another takeaway. 

This is why we welcome plans by the Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure (MWTI) to source and install a new CT x-ray scanner technology at the Faleolo International Airport for airport and passenger baggage.

An article (New x-ray machines for Faleolo Airport) published in yesterday’s edition of Samoa Observer reported on the announcement in the Legislative Assembly recently by the Minister of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure of the procurement of new cargo x-ray scanners by the Samoa Airport Authority (SAA) for Faleolo International Airport.

The equipment is expected to be installed by March 2024 with an estimated cost of USD$1,000,000 to be funded by the SAA.

"The authority has also made it clear in our proposal that they can fund the construction work and upgrade needed to be done," said Olo Fiti Vaai.

Minister Olo, whose Ministry also has oversight for the Aviation Division, said they will also upgrade the VIP lounge at the airport for the arriving heads of government. He said they are looking at constructing a two-storey building and making sure that the people who will be using the V.I.P. lounge, especially the leaders of different countries not have to walk out in the sun upon arrival. 

This proposition is highlighted in the ministry's sector plan for the year 2023-2028 which was launched last month. The installation of new CT x-ray technology machines is in line with one of the sector's objectives to improve climate resilience, safety and security of airports by enhancing infrastructure and technology maintenance and management. 

We commend the MWTI and its Minister for the strategic outlook, with an eye on the CHOGM 2024 and ensuring its successful delivery, but also on Samoa’s growing tourism sector with arrival numbers expected to grow now that global travel is getting back to the pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.

The USD$1 million (SAT$2.7 million) investment by the SAA in the new security system at the airport, while securing the country’s main aviation gateway will also complement the USD$3.5 million container cargo x-ray scanner, that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has procured for Samoa’s maritime gateway at Matautu wharf. 

The securing of our aviation and maritime ports can only boost Samoa’s national security and become a deterrence against transnational crime including cross-border smuggling of illicit drugs and weapons. 

On that note, we hope there has been more effective coordination in recent weeks between the Ministry of Customs and Revenue (MCR) and the MWTI on the specifications of Matautu wharf’s container cargo x-ray scanner after Minister Olo told the Legislative Assembly last month that his Ministry is yet to be advised of the scanner’s specifications.

"We have to know what kind of machine, whether it's a floor-mounted x-ray machine or a mobile x-ray truck," Olo told the House last month. "So we need to confirm that before we can proceed with the construction of the warehouse."

With July about to come to an end, it would be great if the Samoa Government can sign off on the container cargo x-ray scanner this year by building a warehouse for it and getting it operational by January 2024. This would give customs officers at the Matautu wharf some 6-plus months to familiarise themselves with the new technology as the country counts down to the CHOGM next year.

However, with all the focus on Faleolo, let’s not forget Fagalii Airport and the fact that the daily flights from American Samoa give the small aerodrome international airport status. To ensure there are no vulnerabilities at Samoa’s transport hubs, our officials should maintain an adequate level of monitoring at all ports of call.