A community grant from the Bank South Pacific (BSP) has helped revive a historical asset in the village of Tufulele, its water pool that endured the impact of climate change. 

The Tufulele water pool was officially opened on Wednesday afternoon and it was a celebration that the villagers will always remember as strengthening its partnership with the bank. 

On behalf of the village, Faasula Luatuanuu spoke to extend Tufulele’s appreciation to BSP for their kind assistance that went towards funding security lights for the pool and security fence. 

She said the project cost $50,000  and her village was happy that it has revived a historical asset that was almost lost to climate change and sea level rise.  

Mrs. Luatuanuu thanked BSP for accepting the village to be part of the bank’s community support programme. 

“Like all communities we face challenges but it is during these times that partnership like this one we share with BSP that has become invaluable,” she said. 

According to the village spokesperson, the project took two weeks to complete; one week to build the fence and two weeks to install the security lights. 

The contractors were Siaosi Georgies did the security lights and Sala Shane of Impact Service carried out the construction of the security fence. 

BSP Chairman of the Financial Group Board, Robert Bradshaw spoke about the work of the bank to give back to the community. 

In an interview, Mr. Bradshaw said the BSP shareholding includes Samoa National Provident Fund (S.N.P.F.) and Unit Trust of Samoa (UTOS) and this means the bank is partly owned by the Samoan people. 

He said it is the right thing for the bank to reinvest back in the community and noted that its workforce comes from the community. 

He pointed out that the Tufulele project was part of a programme that the institution does throughout the Pacific and there will be similar projects in the future with other communities. The Chairman added that the bank will be offering further financial support to build a bridge to cross from the other side to the other side.