The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S.) at Afega dedicated its multipurpose hall on Friday with the new building now called the ‘Afega o Alofa’ hall.

The multipurpose hall was built by the Zheng Construction Company and took eight months to complete.

The total cost of the project was approximately $956,700 and took eight months or 31 weeks for the construction works to be completed. The multipurpose hall is 40 meters in length, 15 meters in width but 8 meters high.  

The church minister in charge of C.C.C.S. Afega is Reverend Luapene Nepo and his wife Faaolataga Nepo. 

Rev. Elder for Malua District, Fili Sia Matalavea led the church service. 

Some of the attendees included: the Chairman of the C.C.C.S., Rev. Elder Iosefa Uilelea; Vice Chairman of C.C.C.S., Rev. Elder Tunumoso Iosia, the Member of Parliament for Sagaga No. 2 Maulolo Tavita Amosa and various C.C.C.S. church ministers and deacons. 

An overview of the project was revealed by the Secretary of the Project Committee, Fata Paulo Seuseu during the commissioning ceremony.

He said that in 2018 renovations was done to their church building and there was $50,000 left.

From 2019 to 2020, the members of the church held fundraising activities which pushed the amount to $150,000. Some of the fundraising activities include bingo games, raffles, etc. 

“This was around the time of the measles epidemic, followed by the COVID-19 global pandemic,” he said.

Fata said they were also able to secure a loan from the Samoa Commercial Bank for $350,000 which led to a total of $500,000.   

“We also had help from some village chiefs and untitled men in demolishing of the old building.”

He also mentioned that help was also received from Ututaaloga Charlie Ulia and the Ulia Construction Company.

“There were ten companies that submitted proposals to be the contractor but the committee approved for the contract to be awarded to Zheng Construction Company because they have met all requirements.

“The design of the building was also done by the Zheng Construction Company for free. We always held meetings between the project committee and the contractor to see the progress of the work.”

The cost of other additional works was more than $140,000.  

Fata also spoke on behalf of the church minister, Rev Luapene Nepo and his wife, the lay preachers and their wives, deacons and their wives as well as the whole congregation in Afega.

"It gives me great pleasure and honour to express our sincere appreciation to Zheng Construction Company. For your company’s effort and significant achievement in building of this new multi-purpose hall," he said.

“We want to acknowledge the high performance and commitment of your company employees for the last eight months. 

“We also noted that your company was able to accomplish various tasks that were scheduled in the last 30 weeks towards building this great work.”

“We want to convey our heartfelt gratitude to your leadership and mutual understanding of your management as your company was able to carry out other additional work and variations that were not initially included in the agreed signing contract.

“The high level of your staff expertise, proficiency and competency was one of the main factors that contributed to the success of this project.

“To conclude, I would like to reiterate our church’s sincere gratitude to your company. We pray that the blessings of our heavenly father shall fold abundantly upon your company and add more projects and works to your service.

“This is the beginning of our fruitful partnership and we anticipate to continue ongoing work with your company in the near future.”

 The Chairman of the C.C.C.S. Rev. Elder Uilelea also presented a gift of $10,000 from the C.C.C.S. for the church hall dedication to Rev. Nepo.

The congregation has more than 300 members.