The demolition of the old Savalalo flea market, which is being undertaken by a local company, is close to completion before it will move to the construction phase. 

The demolition of the old market and the re-development of the Savalalo market come under the supervision of the Samoa Land Corporation (S.L.C.).

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, the S.L.C. Chief Executive Officer, Ulugia Petelo Kavesi said T & N Toleafoa Co. Ltd was awarded the demolition contract.

He said the dismantling and removal of the waste from the old market, which is being undertaken as part of the building phase, cost less than $50,000. 

“It’s quite a big job given the height of the building and it's scheduled for 5 weeks,” said Ulugia.

The dismantling work of what remained of the old flea market, after a fire completely destroyed the building in January 2016, began in August.

Just two weeks ago the bid from interested parties for the tender of the design and building of the Savalalo market project closed. 

Ulugia could not disclose how many companies submitted their bids for the public tender which is now before the Tenders Board for their assessment.

The Cabinet already awarded Tinai, Gordon and Associates as the project manager for the multi-million tala re-development project with construction set to start in either October or November this year. The concept design of the project has been awarded to Sucon Consulting. 

The New Zealand government has already signed a grant for SAT$20 million for the construction of the new Savalalo flea market with the S.L.C. paying the balance of the project's total cost which is estimated to be SAT$29 million.