Malae-filogia at Sasina in Savai'i within the Gagaifomauga No. 3 constituency was the place to be on Saturday morning with villagers and Government leaders descending on the village. 

Hundreds of people gathered to witness the opening and dedication of its District House (Fono Fa'avae) under the $1 million grant project implemented by the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development. 

The event was attended by Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, Speaker of the House, Papali'i Li'o Taeu-Masipau, Cabinet Ministers, Associate Ministers, the business community and members of the Gagaifomauga No. 3 constituency. 

Gagaigomauga No. 3 M.P. La'auli Leuatea Schmidt, who took on the master of ceremony role, spoke on behalf of his constituency and District Committee about the newly opened facilities for the constituency which came at a total cost of $1.2 million tala.

This included the office for the Committee overseeing the project, a meeting place for the constituency, and the cementing and improving of a drinking water pool next to the meeting house. 

The Minister of Women Community and Social Development, Leota Laki Sio spoke on behalf of the Government of Samoa and congratulated the Chairman of Gagaifomauga No. 3 as well as his Committee constituents on the project. 

Leota said the opening of Fono fa'avae and offices for the different constituencies across the country is proof that the people of the community are embracing the Government's initiative.

"From the beginning a lot has been said about this project," Leota said. "People did not think that it would come true, some even criticised and declared that it will not happen or possible to do. 

"However, the more we attend these opening it's a reminder that we mean business. 

"The purpose is so that we can give back the wealth to the hands of our people, as an investment so they can utilise it for different projects and contribute back to the development and economy of our country."

Talking about the newly opened facilities for Gagaifomauga No. 3, Leota compared it to the "temple built by King Solomon" in the bible. 

"I may have not stepped into the temple that King Solomon built, but these buildings might be similar to what Solomon had built. 

"There were so many concerns and issues regarding this project and initiative, but I am glad that you did not let that detain you or stop you from continuing on in executing this project."

Reverend Panapa To'o of the Congregational Christian Church Samoa (C.C.C.S.) Sasina led the service to officially bless and open the facilities. 

All other resident ministers from the different villages that make up the Gagaifomauga No. 3 constituency were also present and helped with the service on Saturday. 

Prime Minister Fiame and Speaker of the House, Papali'i and Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio were given the honor to cut the ribbons for the project. 

The special guests then had a tour of the new facilities located opposite from the C.C.C.S. Sasina church before traditional presentations.