The new Maota Fono reflects Samoan traditional architecture and incorporates elements of a Samoan meeting fale, thanks to the contribution of the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).

The construction of the new Parliament was jointly funded by the Governments of Australia and Samoa and cost more than $25 million.

But the task to decorate the new Maota Fono came through a Cabinet directive to the ACC, says Fauono Galdys Fuimaono, who is the manager for administration and human resources division within the corporation. 

“The decoration to the Maota Fono was a Cabinet Directive for ACC to fund the decorations. That is a contribution by all our levy contributors or Samoa to the history of the new Maota Fono 2019,” he said. 

The fale’s exterior poles are weaved and this was done by Ili Faasaoina Timu of Letogo. The total “decoration project" for the new Parliament totalled $20,052. 

Fauono explained it cost $700 tala per column and there are a total of 18. 

“Accessories like paint, paint brushes, varnish etc. amounts to $852 tala.  It took four weeks to decorate the 18 columns. The ‘afa was sourced from all ‘afa sellers at the Fugalei Market and the majority was sourced from ‘afa weavers at Fagaloa. The total cost is $6,600 tala,” she said.

During the first session of Parliament last month in the new Maota fono, Minister of Public Enterprises, Lautafi Selafi Purcell, commended the ACC for their contribution to the Maota Fono. 

“The afa deigns of the poles of the new Maota Fono was funded by the Accident Compensation Corporation,” he said. 

Speaking at the official opening of the Parliament, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr Sailele Malielegaoi said the building is modern and cost effective, and is appropriately kitted to support and meet the needs of Samoa’s Parliamentary processes and practices in the 21st Century.

The design of the new Parliament building reflects Samoa traditional architecture and incorporates elements of Samoan meeting fale. 

“The Parliamentary mace presented today is another example of how element of Samoan culture and history have been incorporated throughout this project. Though this new building is similar in infrastructure to the former building, the design of the chamber incorporates the use of natural daylight in a controlled manner.