The Government through the Ministry of Finance (M.O.F.) have successfully reviewed two more aid funded development projects worth millions of dollars.

The Samoa Climate Resilient Transport Project (S.C.R.T.P.) project worth US$35.75million was granted by the World Bank was rated "moderately satisfactory" by M.O.F.

"The progress towards achieving the project’s development objective and the implementation progress were rated “Moderately Satisfactory” at the end of the review. The review included technical discussions and site visits. Major progress noted are the ongoing construction works at the West Coast Road, final designs for the bridges, ongoing design services and feasibility studies for other activities supported. Implementation support and technical advisory services for the Government agencies continue," M.O.F rated the project.

The objective of this project is to improve the climate resilience of Samoa’s road network and to provide immediate response in the event of an Eligible Crisis or Emergency. 

The key features include support to the construction of the West Coast Road (WCR) from Malua to Faleolo, the reconstruction of the Afega and the Lano bridges, design for the slope stabilisation for the East Coast Road (ECR) Upolu and the feasibility study for the Alafa’alava Road. Support is also provided for spatial planning tools and systems for the sector agencies, technical advisory services, implementation support and capacity building. 

Mission team included Sean Michaels – Project’s Task Team Leader and Senior Infrastructure Specialist who led the Bank’s team and was supported by a team of senior specialists and consultants by the Bank, and the Samoa-WB Liaison Office.

The project is funded by the World Bank, for implementation from December 2018 – December 2025.

Meanwhile, the Government believes that the other project, the Land Transport Sector Development Project (L.T.S.D.P.) funded by the Asian Development Bank is "on track" after the official review. 

The project costs US$5.0million granted by the Asian Development Bank for implementation from December 2021 – June 2025.

"The project performance was rated “On Track” at the end of the review mission noting progress on the ongoing feasibility studies services and scoping for ensuring projects to be funded under future programs. The review included discussions and site visits in Savaii jointly conducted by Government agencies, ADB and the technical advisors to inform progress," the statement reads.

This grant aims to assist the Government in conducting project preparatory activities and proactively addressing any technical and implementation issues to ensure high readiness and quality infrastructure designs for the upcoming projects supported by the facility. 

"Key features: The PRF grant finances consulting services contracts to support the achievement of two outputs: (i) investment scopes identified, detailed engineering designs and advance procurement actions prepared; and (ii) capacity of executing and implementing agencies for project preparation strengthened.

"Mission team: ADB mission team was led by Mr. Cha-Sang Shim, Mission Leader and Senior Transport Specialist and supported by project officer and the Samoa-ADB Office.:

The Ministry as the Executing Agency for both projects acknowledged the support and ongoing collaboration by the mission team, Government agencies and stakeholders contributing to the success of the reviews.