U.N. agencies on the move

By Ilia L Likou 18 October 2017, 12:00AM

The United Nations family in Samoa is on the move.

For the past couple of days, trucks and vehicles have been commuting from Matautu to the former Hockey Stadium at Tuana’imato where the United Nations family has relocated to.   

The setting up is part of preparations for an official hand over on a date yet to be announced.

Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme, Notonegoro, said the relocation started on Monday after business hours and they started working yesterday.

“We could conduct our meeting on site,” he said. “Internet and phone connectivity was established so we can access our corporate system and use our emails.” 

Asked if the relocation has disrupted their work, he said no.

“In short, I did not observe any interruption on our work since the move has been carefully prepared and we have business continuity plan in place to anticipate the disruption.”

The relocation spells the end of a 40-year relationship between the U.N. and Peter Meredith & Co Ltd.

The relocation was confirmed by the Director of U.N.E.S.C.O, Ms. Nisha in August. 

“The agreement between the government of Samoa and U.N.D.P. has been signed,” she said. “So practically speaking, the building is with the U.N. already and it’s quite a development.”

“We do want to thank the Government of Samoa for providing a rent-free premise for the U.N.” 

According to Ms. Nisha, the government had renovated and installed offices within the sports complex. 

“It has very high walls, high ceilings and it’s a large open space. We need to have offices built inside and that is the part the government will complete.”

“The compound will be called ‘One U.N. House’.” 

Ms. Nisha said the premises at Matautu housed about 10 different U.N. offices.

“What is good, in going forward is whatever we save for the rent can be used for programme purposes.” 

“It’s a good decision because that premises will be put to use and it will be maintained by the U.N. and definitely the U.N. will build up the building there, and for the long term it’s a wise decision.”

By Ilia L Likou 18 October 2017, 12:00AM

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