The government has officially broken ground for a new Emergency Operations Centre in Savai’i aimed at improving disaster response and preparedness on the island.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister for Natural Resources and Environment Ale Vena Ale said the Savai’i Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) will strengthen coordination during emergencies and help protect communities from growing climate and disaster risks.

Construction of the facility will begin next week and is expected to be completed within 10 months by Ah Liki Construction Company Ltd under a contract managed by the Pacific Community (SPC).

The centre will serve as a hub for disaster coordination in Savai’i and will also store emergency supplies that can be quickly distributed during disasters.

Ale said Samoa’s past disasters, including the 2009 tsunami, Cyclone Evan, the 2019 measles epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic, highlight the importance of strong disaster preparedness.

The project is funded by the European Union through the European Development Fund 11 under the Building Safety and Resilience in the Pacific project.

The government said the new centre will support the country’s National Disaster Management Plan for 2025–2035 and help ensure faster assistance reaches families during emergencies.