Work to prepare the Samoa Fiafia Park at Tafaigata for its official opening is ongoing despite the threat posed by the measles epidemic.

The declaration of a state of emergency last month, in response to the epidemic has led to a ban on public gatherings and an order for parents to keep their children at home.

But the order for parents to keep their children at home to avoid measles infection has not thrown a spanner in the works for the amusement park's owner.

“The measles crisis is very heartbreaking but our Samoa Fiafia Park will be open once the Ministry of Health says it’s okay to push through," said Tupa’i Frank Bruno.

Tupa’i is the man behind the Samoa Fiafia Park that is due to open before Christmas.

He said he believes that with the epidemic and the subsequent death toll, the amusement park can help the people get back the spirit of Christmas.

“This park has a lot to offer for Samoa. In terms of health, we will be having a small store here where we sell sugar-free stuff and we are prohibiting the consuming of alcohol inside the park."

The epidemic has also created challenges for him as he has employees who were diagnosed with measles. But he said they recovered from the virus. 

He said a lot of people were looking forward to travelling to Samoa to see the Samoa Fiafia Park since it’s the first ever amusement park in the Pacific.

“There are a lot of things available for everyone. This could be a destination for families to have fun”, he added.

Tupa’i has also made donations to some of the families who lost their loved ones to the measles crisis.

Despite the uncertainty brought on by the epidemic, he said he would like to acknowledge the support of his sponsors throughout their work as part of the preparations to opening the park.  

“I would like to thank our sponsors the Vailima Coca Cola Breweries, Bluesky, Betham Brothers, Sai Motors, Samoa Shipping Corporation and the Honorable Prime Minister."

The Samoa Fiafia Park — if approval is given by the authorities — will only open on the weekends and also during public holidays.