A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Friday morning for a new courthouse development in Salelologa, Savai‘i, marking the start of a government project valued at $16 million.

Plans for the project include accommodation for judges staying on-site while preparing court cases. Landscaping, fencing and upgrades around the proposed court grounds are also expected as part of the development.

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, officials from the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration (MJCA), Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese, Senior Supreme Court Judge Justice Vui Clarence Nelson and Chief Executive Officer Papalii John Taimalelagi. The event was also attended by cabinet ministers.

The Prime Minister, in his keynote address, revealed the project would cost $16 million and had been in the government pipeline for some time. He said the funding was sourced entirely from government revenue and not from overseas assistance.

The development will include a new courthouse facility, which the Prime Minister described as one of the country’s important pillars that must be prioritised. Laaulialemalietoa said the courthouse project was prioritised by Cabinet because of the critical role the justice system plays in Samoa.

In his keynote address, Laaulialemalietoa said permanent courthouse infrastructure was needed in Savai‘i.

Laaulialemalietoa also acknowledged ongoing government investment in public infrastructure, including $8 million allocated for works at the deteriorating Mulinuu courthouse area, noting current upgrades to the car park.

Construction work on the Savai‘i courthouse project will be carried out by local companies Ah Liki Construction Company, Apia Lua Construction Co. Ltd. and New Era Construction Co. Ltd.

In 2024, the Samoa Observer reported that $5 million had been allocated in the 2024-2025 financial year budget for the Savai‘i courthouse project, which was identified as a major development for the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration in Savai‘i.

However, the current 2025-2026 national budget does not specifically allocate $16 million to the project. The current budget allocation for the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration stands at $20.8 million, while legal aid at $450,000.

The only courthouse in Savai‘i is in Tuasivi, where proceedings are primarily handled by the Lands and Titles Court.