The design and location of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints Savaii temple in Salelologa have been confirmed, but the timeline for construction is still unknown said Denny Fa’alogo, the Real Estate Project Manager.

“We are currently working closely with various consultants and government agencies, including the Samoa Water Authority and the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Association (SFESA). At this stage, we’re focused on securing the necessary permits and preparing the land,” Fa’alogo explained. 

“The consultants are engaging with agencies like the Planning and Urban Management Agency (PUMA) and the Electric Power Corporation (EPC) to ensure we meet all regulatory requirements before we can begin construction.”

The temple will be built on a 4.6-acre site in Salelologa, Savai’i, covering approximately 29,630 square feet. The project will also include a patron housing facility, an ancillary building, a distribution centre, and the temple president’s residence.

Fa’alogo emphasised that the church is still in the process of obtaining the required consents for construction. “Phase two is focused on securing the necessary approvals, and once we have those in place, we’ll be able to confirm when construction can begin. At this point, we cannot provide a specific date,” he said.

The Savai’i Samoa Temple will be the second temple in Samoa, following the Apia Temple, which was dedicated in 1983. After a fire in 2003, the Apia Temple was rebuilt and rededicated. The late LDS President Russell M. Nelson announced the Savai’i temple in October 2023.

Local members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Savai’i have warmly welcomed the announcement of the new temple. Lui Sauniatu from Lefagaoalii expressed excitement, saying, "This is a blessing for all of us in Savai’i. For many years, we’ve had to travel to Upolu for temple services, and having a temple here will make it so much easier for our families to attend. It will strengthen our faith and make our community even more united."

Another member, Tino Fa’amatuainu from the same village, added, "We are thrilled by the announcement. This temple will not only bless our spiritual lives but also create jobs and bring more opportunities to Savai’i. We look forward to the day we can gather and worship together here on our island."

Fa’alogo highlighted the temple will also create employment opportunities.

“The temple will bring jobs, providing opportunities for both church members and non-members,” Fa’alogo shared. “It will also support small businesses and the hospitality industry in Savai’i, as more visitors will come to the island to attend the temple.”