A valuation is underway on a proposed evacuation route behind the Return to Paradise Resort in the Lefaga district where some overseas heads of government for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting will stay.

The Minister of Works Transport and Infrastructure Olo Fiti Vaai said the existing road infrastructure in the area is still in good condition. 

However, he said there was a proposal from Return to Paradise for a new evacuation route during natural disasters such as tsunamis. 

Olo explained the road would run behind the accommodation instead of the existing road through the coastline. 

“I’m not sure [how much it is] the valuation is underway and after that, it will go through the Tenders Board,” he said. 

The Minister said the funding will be sourced from the local budget noting the sector is allocated a portion of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) budget. 

A total of $40 million was approved in the last two budgets for CHOGM preparations. 

The Government of Samoa will provide accommodation to Heads of Government, Foreign Ministers and their spouses/partners in certain hotels. 

Those hotels include Sheraton Samoa Resort Mulifanua, Sheraton Hotel and Bungalow in Apia, Taumeasina Island Resort and Return to Paradise Resort.  

On CHOGM transport, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa said vehicles will be provided for all delegations to transport all delegates from the airport to places of accommodation and return on departure, transport to meeting venues, all events and functions. 

Government and the private sector are working in partnership to ensure that all transportation needs are met, she told media this week. 

The close locations of meeting venues will also be an encouragement to delegates to walk from venue to venue.

“Selected road networks are under upgrading through the Land Transport Authority,” said Fiame.

“With the anticipation of many countries travelling to Samoa in private aircraft, a contract has been selected to assist in slot management planning and ensuring that flight schedules are efficiently planned and there are available parking spaces at the airport.” 

Consideration is also given to sufficient fuel and aviation fuel supplies to meet the additional needs of CHOGM.