The SAT$24 million contract for the construction of the new Savalalo market was officially signed last week, with plans set for the groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for this coming Tuesday.

The official signing follows months of meticulous procurement preparations and negotiations between the Samoa Land Corporation and  Zheng Construction. 

The signing was held at Taumeasina Resort on 1 March 2024. Samoa Land Corporation (SLC) represented by its Board of Directors and Management, Zheng Construction officials led by Wang Peizheng and Paul, accompanied by Leata Aiono Lei Sam, as well as the Project Manager, Leiataua Thomas Tinai were present.

The protracted duration spent on finalising the preliminary works, including the contract, underscores the government's unwavering commitment to ensuring flawless construction processes. 

The signing of the contract signifies the mutual intention of all parties to adhere to the terms and conditions outlined within the agreement. 

With the legal document now in place, construction activities are poised to commence promptly, allowing the contractors to fulfill their obligations as stipulated in the contract.

Addressing the attendees on behalf of the S.L.C., Board Chairman Matafeo George Latu expressed gratitude to all parties involved for their dedication and contribution of time and resources towards ensuring the success of this pivotal project. 

He emphasised the significance of the new Savalalo Flea Market not only in providing a modern and conducive space for vendors but also in driving economic development within the region.

The signing of the contract marks a significant milestone in the journey towards the realisation of the new Savalalo Flea Market.

The Government of Samoa through S.L.C. granted the contract to Zheng Construction on January 17, 2024. 

According to the Tender Awards released by the Ministry of Finance, two contenders were vying for the contract. 

The competing bidder was Schwarz Construction Ltd.

Zheng Construction Co. Ltd is a Samoan-registered company incorporated on 17 September 2012 and listed Chinese national Peizheng Wang as the director of the company.

The company, with a proven track record in Samoa, has undertaken significant projects such as the National Operation Emergency Centre (N.E.O.C.) Office, the Water Resources Division Office at Vailima, and the Apia Waterfront.

The Cabinet has already designated Tinai, Gordon, and Associates as the project manager for the upcoming multi-million tala re-development endeavor, slated to commence construction either in October or November of this year. 

Additionally, the concept design responsibility was assigned to Sucon Consulting.

In September of 2022, this newspaper revealed that the re-development of the Savalalo market project will give the capital a new look with the soon-to-be modern-looking flea market. 

The Cabinet endorsed and approved the design for the project, which was prepared and presented by Sucon Consulting founder and Managing Director, Lefaotogi Paletalasala Faolotoi.

The winning design was inspired by the famous Samoan legend, Vaea and Apaula with Lefaotogi proposing to also change the name of the market from Savalalo market to "Tuisavalalo market".

The 3D photos and videos of the winning design, which has been accepted and picked by the Government, look nothing like the old market that was previously there. 

The new design shows a more modern building that gives it a shopping mall look than the familiar market designs seen around Samoa.