The construction works on Samoa’s Arts and Culture Centre at Malifa is expected to be completed in October.

This was confirmed by the Commercial Attache at the Chinese Embassy in Samoa, Zhang Muyue, during an interview with the Samoa Observer.

She said that it was scheduled to be completed in June this year but due to the COVID-19 pandemic leading to border closures, some of the technicians could not travel to Samoa. 

“These are minor problems which is why we have utilised local supplies and technicians to ensure the completion of the culture centre,” she added.

Ms. Zhang said the Chinese Government wants to complete the project as soon as possible so that it could be put to use by the people of Samoa.

But some of the challenges include the acquiring the right lights for the project because engineers from China cannot come over to Samoa.

“The project is part of six Memorandums of Understanding and Agreements signed between Samoa and the Huizhou Municipal People’s Government of Guangdong Province, China.

“The Arts and Culture Center project is funded by the city of Huizhou in Guangdong Province and was constructed by the Shanghai Construction Group.

The expectation was a three-month delay but the pandemic has added more months of delay to the completion of the projects,” she added.

The Center will house national treasures of Samoan culture and heritage, a venue for performing arts and orchestra, an art shop, exhibition space and a restaurant. 

It will also have a recording and audio-visual studio, three conference facilities, a theatre that can house 100 performers and 500 seats. 

“The significant landmark is a tribute of diplomatic ties between China and Samoa,” Ms. Zhang added.

She also mentioned that the culture centre represents the good relationship between the people of Samoa and China.

“The Embassy is standing side by side with Samoa in providing assistance to better protect this paradise from the virus.

The leading implementing agency is the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture.

The culture centre was one of Government’s projects that was visited by the Cabinet Development Committee last Friday, reported by the Savali Newspaper. 

The committee is chaired by Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi, Cabinet Ministers and Chief Executive Officers and their A.C.E.O.