The multi-million tala state-of-the-art office for the Samoa National Provident Fund (S.N.P.F.) at Salelologa Savai'i has been officially opened. 

The momentous occasion on Thursday was well-attended by Cabinet Ministers, members of the business community in Upolu and Savai'i, residents from the big island as well as the Board and Executive members of S.N.P.F. and all of its employees. 

The S.N.P.F. offices in Upolu were closed for businesses on Thursday as all of its employees traveled over to Savai'i to witness the opening of its Savai'i office, located near the Salelologa market. 

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa congratulated the Board of Directors and the Management of S.N.P.F. for such an important project. 

Fiame said they understood that there were a lot of obstacles and challenges that prolonged the completion of the project, therefore, she commended the commitment and perserverance of those who worked tirelessly to make sure the project comes into fruition. 

She spoke about the challenges they had to overcome starting from the impacts of the measles epidemic in the country then the lockdowns and the closure of borders because of the widespread of COVID-19. 

"But that did not interfere or stop you all from completing this very important project," said Fiame. 

Fiame then spoke about the history of S.N.P.F. Savai'i branch which she said was first set up in the year 1994. 

She then acknowledged the services of those who have been looking after the Savai'i office from then until now. 

Moreover, Samoa's P.M. said Cabinet approved in February of 2020 to start the tender process for the construction work of a new S.N.P.F. office in the big island.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held in May of that same year while the construction work began in September of 2020. 

"The completion of this project had been affected by a lot of factors, but we are here today to witness the official opening and we are very pleased to be here for this occasion."

In saying that, Fiame said that the opening of this S.N.P.F. Plaza in Savai'i is timely as the fund is celebrating 50 years of service in the country and it also coincide with the commemoration of Samoa's 60th Independence Celebration this year. 

The Schwartz Construction company was awarded the contract of the project with the assistance of other companies in the country. 

The first floor of the building will be occupied by the S.N.P.F., Bank of the South Pacific, and the an Immigration Office while the top floor has been built as a Conference Center. 

The total cost of the project according to Fiame is, $7,806,698. 

Reverend Asosili Suesue led the service with a prayer while the Minister of Justice and Courts Administration (M.J.C.A.) who is also the Member of Parliament for Fa'asaleleaga No.;1, Matamua Vasati Pulufana was given the honor to cut the ribbon to open the new S.N.P.F. office in Salelologa in Savai'i.