Major works to upgrade the Central Cross Island Road was a long-planned government infrastructure project and not intended for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in October. 

This was the response from the Minister of Works Transport and Infrastructure (M.W.T.I.), Olo Fiti Vaai when asked about the delay in the completion of the road infrastructure from Tiavi to Siumu. 

“The government work has been in the planning for quite some time,” Olo said in an interview with the Samoa Observer. 

“There are a lot of issues on such projects with variation in time and that is the reason why we can’t rush it. There is also a contractor to supervise the project and that is one area that needs to be considered, not to rush it but to ensure it complies with required standards. 

“Rushing work will only cause problems later and the funding donated by D.B.S. might not be worth it if that happens.” 

The upgrade work runs from Tiavi to Siumu and it is a crucial infrastructure during CHOGM. It will be the main road for transporting high-level delegates using rural accommodation. 

In particular, the head of the Commonwealth and British monarch King Charles III is expected to reside at the Sinalei Resort in Siumu with dignitaries from the United Kingdom. 

The Minister was asked if there was no need to complete the Cross Island road works for ease of transportation for CHOGM dignitaries. 

He replied the work is in progress and will be prepared for CHOGM but emphasised the completion of the project was not intended for the October meeting. 

The Central Cross Island Road upgrade, divided into two sections—Lot 1: CW-2A (Tanugamanono to lower Tiavi) and Lot 2: CW-2B (Tiavi to Siumu)—was approved by the Tenders Board on March 29, 2023. 

The contract, valued at over $15 million was awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). Funding for the project is being provided by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The road, spanning approximately 20 kilometres connecting eight villages will be widened from its existing narrow, winding two-lane configuration to a standard 7-meter lane. 

The project also includes a 4.5-kilometre urban section and a 15.5-kilometre rural section, with enhanced road and pedestrian safety features. 

 The project is funded by the Asia Development Bank and seeks to reconstruct vital transport links to higher standards, enhancing the country’s ability to withstand environmental challenges.