The Police Minister Faualo Harry Schuster has described the China-funded Police Academy Project as "an important one" for Samoa to upskill and train the police force.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony at Tafaigata on Tuesday, the Minister lamented the the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the project, which led to long delays and put off the project's 2020 start date for construction.

"Unfortunately, the pressures and outbreak of COVID-19 and its major setbacks including the closure of our borders, caused significant details and despite the project scheduled to commence implementation in early 2020, this was not the case with the project put on further hold for some time," Faualo said.

"Due to the inability of Chinese technical and design missions to travel lto Samoa and the lockdowns that took place at the time."

The Minister then emphasised that the project is important for Samoa and its police force, especially those who require upskilling and training in the area of law and order.

"I understand the infrastructure will consist of a training and teaching facility in the area of law and order," Faualo added.

"I understand the infrastructure will consist of a training and teaching facility which includes classrooms, an academy office, an operation training venue, accommodation building, equipment room, watching stands, a roofed sports field as well as auxiliary facilities including defensive driving training grounds." 

Faualo said he is looking forward to seeing "more skilled and professional and fit" lot of officers on the field in Samoa in the near future. 

He then thanked China's Ambassador to Samoa, Chao Xiaoliang and the Shaanzxi Construction Engineering Group which will undertake the construction of the project at Tafaigata. 

"We wish all you all the best for the preparation works thus far, we wish you all the best for the upcoming construction works," the Minister said.

"In addition we extend appreciation to the Shanghai Architecture Engineering Co. Ltd for the design of this project." 

Turning again to China's Ambassador, Faualo said the Government of Samoa expresses with sincere gratitude the availability of funding for the project courtesy of the Government of the People's Republic of China made available under China's grant aid program to enable implementation to get underway.