After significant delays, there is renewed hope on the horizon for the construction of a new office for the Legislative Assembly in Samoa, with authorities announcing that work is anticipated to commence in June of this year. 

The long-awaited project, aimed at providing modern and functional facilities for parliamentary officials, has faced numerous setbacks and delays since the Australian Government first announced its financial assistance to fund the new Office of the Legislative Assembly in 2018. 

As reported in March of last year, the construction work was scheduled to commence in August of 2022. 

However, it was revealed that the sub-contractors had pulled out from the project which prompted the Legislative Assembly to look for new contractors to take over the job. 

But recent developments indicate progress in overcoming these obstacles, paving the way for the long-awaited commencement of construction.

In an official statement from the Office of the Clerk of Legislative Assembly (O.C.L.A.) this week, it confirmed that the office hosted a "pre-tender" site visit for shortlisted contractors bidding for the construction of the new office. 

"The construction of the LAO is intended to deliver a modern, functional, and cost-effective building that is appropriately fitted out to meet the 21st century needs of Samoa’s parliamentary processes and support the institutions that improve democratic governance," the statement reads. 

"Funded by the Australian Government, and designed by the Alexander and Lloyd Group, the new building design is based on extensive consultations with OCLA, as well as groups such as Nuanua o le Alofa, ensuring the new building incorporates principles of universal access, energy efficiency, and climate resilience.

The visit included professionals from various organisations from the development procurement section of Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, project consultants from Alexander and Lloyd Group, and construction specialists from PML & Associates, gathering with potential builders to acquaint themselves with the location and gain insight into its cultural significance as conveyed by the Government of Samoa.

William Robinson, Australia’s High Commissioner to Samoa, stated, "Together with our previous support for the construction of Samoa’s Parliament Building, this new project demonstrates Australia’s continued commitment to its partnership with the Samoan Government – supporting a legislative environment that is transparent, efficient, and responsive to the needs of Samoa’s people."

According to the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website, three organisations are shortlisted for the Samoa Parliament Legislative Assembly Office Construction Project. 

They are Manteena Security, Reeves International, and Fletcher Construction Company. 

The request for tender was released to shortlisted organisations on AusTender and closes on 12 March, 2024. 

The construction is expected to commence in June 2024 and is expected to span 18 months. 

Currently, the Office of the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly is using the Tofilau Eti Alesana Building at Mulinu'u. The building was initially occupied by M.Ps but now houses the Speaker and the O.C.L.A. after the previous office was dismantled.