The village of Tufulele was in high spirits on Thursday as they officially opened one of their major projects valued at approximately SAT$900,000. 

The project was part of the village's 10-year development project for 2023-2033.

The event was attended by Samoa's Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa, cabinet ministers, government officials, donor partners, business communities and the public.

The chairman of the village committee, Mata'afa Saeni Leatupu'e told the gathering that at the heart of the 10-year development plan are key developments for social development, economy, security and good governance, and environmental protection.

This plan was inspired by the $1 million district development project initiated by the government.

The village decided to focus on social development through the Tufulele village pool project, said Mata'afa.

This was made possible through the collaboration of the village, local organisations and businesses.

The village contributed $178,487, and ADRA (Samoa and New Zealand) provided $103,000 to support the development.

A total of $175,000 was allocated from the District Council, $170,000 was from the Bank of the South Pacific, $20,000 from S.I.F.A., and $238,243 from a Good Samaritan.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa congratulated the village on the completion of such an important project.

Fiame emphasised the significance of the project. She said it attracts tourists and serves as a way to preserve the myths and legends surrounding the village's pool.

Minister for Women, Community and Social Development Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molio'o was given the honour of cutting the ribbon to officially open the project.

The women's committee was excited to finally open what they have all been working on.

The project included a secured fence around the village pool, small fales around the pool, solar lights, an iron bridge in the pool and cemented stairs with a new committee house next to it.