In January 2016, a building which stood as the ‘heart of the Apia Township’ was destroyed. Many of us would still vividly remember scenes from that fateful Saturday afternoon, when the inferno ripped through the “maketi”, destroying everything in its path. 

Not many people thought much of that very basic structure of a building. But in life, we know that it’s only when something, or someone, is no longer around that we come to appreciate it. 

And so it was for the old humble maketi. The Savalalo Market was not just another building, it was a landmark of sorts, a place of special significance to thousands of Samoans here and the thousands more who have moved abroad. 

Once upon a time, it was the centre of trading in Samoa, where fishermen, farmers, food stall owners all congregated for one reason or another. It was where parents made money to raise the leaders of this country today, through selling different fresh produce and other locally made goods.

Long before any of these other modern buildings and fancy restaurants came along, everybody met at the maketi. The smell was horrible, the place was unhygienic, especially with the bathrooms and the stall owners dumping their waste into the ocean, people hardly cared. They joked, ate and it was where many decisions, political ones too, were made at the sefe panikeke and over aiga mamoe.  Countless couples met there and many children were and are products of friendships and relationships formed at that maketi. It was a special place, so special that since 2016 when it was destroyed by fire, it left a gaping hole on Beach Road. 

But that is all about to change now according to a story titled “New Savalalo market to give Apia a facelift” published on the Samoa Observer yesterday. The story was accompanied by 3D photos and videos of the market’s new design, which gives it the look of a modern shopping mall. We have also been told that the design by the Founder of Sucon Consulting, Lefaotogi Paletalasala Faolotoi, has been endorsed by the Government. 

From a quick glance, it’s impressive. Even more fitting is the timing, following the recent opening of the Friendship Park, which has given Apia a more modern look. 

"The proposed design acknowledges that the Savalalo Market is a space where social and cultural values are maintained. It will be a cultural icon where you can find sellers of the different handicrafts, from our local producers where tourists can go and get souvenirs before they had back home after a trip in our beautiful Samoa,” said Lefaotogi.

"It will also be a community space where our young people and adults can gather for food while waiting for the buses to take them to their destination. 

"It will be a meeting place where the old men gather to enjoy ava sessions with other old folks sharing stories from the past. It will also provide a space for our local farmers and businesses to sell their goods and products.  These are elements in which our proposed design has been considered in addition to the structural aspects of the project."

Fabulous. Who doesn’t want the best for Apia, especially for a space we know will be predominantly used by the grassroots community? 

As for the question of costs, from what we’ve been told, the government of New Zealand has already pledged $20 million tala to the project. That’s a lot of money some people will argue. They have a legitimate point, especially at a time when the cost of living has become a real burden on so many people in this country. Is it the best way to spend that much money? And does this country really need another big building? Everyone will have an opinion.

In hindsight however, this is a country that recently spent close to $25million on a prison. If we have that much money for a prison, surely a place of greater significance as the maketi deserves a lot more attention and money.

We applaud the plan but we keenly await the next steps to make it happen. Let us remind the Government today that since 2016, and after many broken promises from the previous government, those market vendors are still exposed to all elements in their desperate attempts to make a living. They deserve better. 

Let’s not make them wait another six years. 

Have a lovely Thursday Samoa, God bless!