Samoa’s Aquatic Center is ready to cater for swimming participants and spectators in the 2019 Pacific Games. 

Since the 2007 Pacific Games, the Chinese government has been financing the maintenance of the facilities at a cost of about $2 million per year.

Aiono Keneti Peseta, the A.C.E.O. of the Samoa Sports Facility Authority, made these comments during the Samoan media visit to all China aid projects in the country on Friday. 

“Samoa only provides accommodation for the two maintenance staff from China, an electrician and a plumber, everything else is paid for by the Chinese Government,” Aiono said. 

When the swimming complex is not in use, the Samoa Swimming Federation uses it for training.

“Especially, in the build up to next year’s game, we also have teams from Fiji and New Zealand who also use the complex for training purposes.”

In an earlier report, China signed over $7.95 million Chinese Yuan to the Samoan Government for the maintenance of the Aquatic Centre and the Sports Complex. 

During the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi pointed to the importance of China’s contribution to the development of Samoa. 

“This is very important to the government, the assistance from China to assure that our sports facilities are continuously maintained,” he said. 

He thanked China for their huge contribution to ensure Samoa’s facilities are up to par with international standards.

“The standards of these facilities enable them to host any Pacific and international events.”