The Samoa Ports Authority (S.P.A.) has moved to amend fees for the Apia Port, following the passage of Tuesday’s stimulus package.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Authority advised tenants, agents, customers and other relevant parties of changes taking effect immediately. 

The list of amended fees includes the exclusion of rent for all S.P.A. tenants for the months of April, May and June, 2020.

A 20 per cent discount will also be applied to wharfage fees for commercial and individual customers for the same three months, April, May and June.

Lastly, the S.P.A. said there will be a refund of Stevedoring Companies’ License fees for the last three months.

“As announced in Parliament by the Minister of Finance, the revised fees are part of the Samoa Ports Authority’s contribution to our Government’s efforts to alleviate the financial effects of the COVID19- induced financial crunch, on all Stakeholders, Port-users and members of the public,” the press release said.

The amendments following the Government’s move to dedicate $12.5 million to policies targeting the enablement of the Private Sector.

“Assistance from the Samoa Ports Authority: 3 months rent free for all businesses operating on all wharves; 3 months refund on all stevedoring licenses; 20% reduction on all wharfage fees for 3 months,” the Minister of Finance, Sili Epa Tuioti said.

Similar rent-free measures were also announced for tenants at the Faleolo Airport as well as the Samoa National Provident Fund (N.P.F.) building.