Construction works for the widening of the west coast road from Vaitele to the Faleolo International Airport will not be ready in time for the Pacific Games.  

Minister of Works Transport and Infrastructure, Papali’i Niko Lee Hang, told the Samoa Observer that the expectation for works to be completed before the event was really an optimistic forecast. 

But Papali’i assured motorists that the roads to the sports venue including the Faleula area where the athletes will be staying have been fixed and maintained. 

“Given the weather condition and the delay in the tender process it is not possible,” he said. 

The road works has been broken down to four lots to allow the local road construction companies to bid for opportunities in the multi-billion tala project funded by World Bank. 

Following a Government proposal to lower requirements from World Bank, this was granted with a condition that the local companies go into a joint venture. 

Papali’i confirmed that Silva Transport, Ulia Construction and TN Toleafoa have agreed to go into a joint venture. 

They were recently awarded the contract for the Saina to Afega section with work to commence next month.

The intention is to allow local contractors to benefit from the project and maintain the money flow inside Samoa.  

Ott Construction was the only local company that fulfilled the requirements of the World Bank. 

The company has been working on the road section from Afega to Malua and has also been awarded to continue widening works from Afega to Leauva’a. 

Works for Afega to Leauva’a is 50 per cent complete, added Papali’i. 

Traffic continues to be a problem for travellers in the west coast area with construction work for the roads ongoing. 

In addition, phase two of the road reconstruction project will continue from Malua to Faleolo with negotiations to be conducted in December for implementation.