The work of the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (S.F.E.S.A.) has been given a major boost after they secured additional emergency equipment courtesy of the Japan Government.

Thanks to a grant of up to USD$140,120 (approximately WST$336,000) from the Embassy of Japan, the authority received a specialised firefighting truck, three ambulances and two rescue boats on Thursday morning. 

Reverend Dr. Latu Latai led the handover ceremony at the S.F.E.S.A. headquarters, which was led with a small prayer followed by a keynote address by the Acting Prime Minister, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio. 

Tuala, who is also the Minister of Customs and Revenue, thanked the Government of Japan for their ongoing financial and technical aid and support for the development of Samoa. 

"The Government and people of Samoa acknowledge with gratitude the assistance of the Government of Japan through its Embassy in Samoa, in financing the procurement of these firefighting and emergency response appliances," Tuala said. 

"This is not the first time the Government of Japan has given assistance to F.E.S.A. and Samoa. Three years ago, Japan gifted a number of specialised fire fighting appliances to the Government of Samoa in 2019. 

"Today, this partnership grow as we witness the continued assistance from the people of Japan in strengthening our capability to respond to emergencies. 

"The appliances you see here today one fire fighting truck, three ambulances and two rescue boats has a combined value of USD$140,120.00.

"Many of us here today will agree with me that the Government of Samoa cannot cater for all the needs of our first responders, however, appreciate that their work is crucial for our people in times of disasters and emergencies. 

"It is therefore important that we establish and nurture partnerships that assist in the development of resources and capabilities of our people."

Tuala highlighted the significance of the new emergency equipment donated by Japan, saying the authority would not have been able to procure them using its own local budget, in the face of rising emergencies and disasters. 

"We don't have to look too far back. Throughout the recent State of Emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, S.F.E.S.A. ambulances were on high alert responding to emergency calls. 

"Working collaboratively with the Ministry of Health Emergency team to ensure the right prehospital treatment is given to the public. Ambulances were also on high demand for the elderly who required dialysis treatment during the Pandemic Lockdown. 

"As these emergencies and disasters increase, the need for extra resources to assist with response services of the authority also increases."

Due to increasing demand from the public, the Acting Prime Minister said the Government plans to build more S.F.E.S.A. stations in the west and east coast of Upolu and as well as Savai'i. 

"It was in this context that the Authority approached the Embassy of Japan for their assistance in the procurement of these firefighting and emergency response appliances to equip an additional station," he added. 

"These specialised vehicles will add value to the work of the authority in the area of fire suppression and during search and rescue operations to save lives. 

"On behalf of the Government and people of Samoa, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Government and the people of Japan for its continued assistance with the development of resources and capabilities for the authority and for many other initiatives that continue to impact the lives of our people."

Japan's Ambassador to Samoa, Senta Keisuke represented his Government at the handover ceremony on Thursday together with the Minister of Finance, Mulipola Anarosa Molio'o and the Chairman of the Board, Mua’ausa Joseph Walter.

The procurement of the emergency equipment was made possible through the Japan Embassy’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP).

The second-hand vehicles were formerly used by Japanese local public organizations and were brought to Samoa through the Society of Promotion of Japanese Diplomacy.

Japan’s GGP programme aligns with Samoa’s national plan, “Pathway for the Development of Samoa 2021-2026” in order to assist areas across Samoa that are in need of improvement.

The development assistance has been ongoing for 31 years, which focuses on small scale projects that directly benefit the grassroots level as well as contribute to the socio-economic development of Samoa.