PRESS RELEASE: Handover Ceremony for THE PROJECT FOR PROVISION OF EMERGENCY RESCUE EQUIPMENT TO SAMOA FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY Under Japan’s Grant Assistance for[...]

The Government of Japan once again assists the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (SFESA) in improving the standards of their vital services across Samoa.

One used rescue truck, three used ambulances and two new rescue boats were handed over to the authority earlier today (15 September) at the SFESA Headquarters in Apia.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Samoa, H.E. Mr. SENTA Keisuke represented his Government at the Handover Ceremony attended by the Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio, Minister of Finance, Hon. Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio'o, Chairman of the Board, Mua'ausa Joseph Walter and distinguished guests.

The project was made possible through the ongoing scheme of Japan's Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP).

A grant of up to USD 140,120 (approximately SAT 346,000) was signed over to SFESA in March last year for funding of the procurement, reconditioning and shipment of the emergency rescue equipment from Japan.

The second-hand vehicles were formerly used by Japanese local public organizations and were brought to Samoa through the Society of Promotion of Japanese Diplomacy.

It is envisaged that the project will not only benefit the people of Samoa whose lives and properties will be saved, but will also enhance the capacity of SFESA workers who will handle the technical operation of the equipment.

Japan's GGP programme aligns with Samoa's national plan, "Pathway for the Development of Samoa 2021-2026" in order to assist areas across Samoa that are in much need of improvement.

The development assistance has been ongoing for 31 years, which focuses on small scale projects that directly benefit the grassroots level as well as contributing to the socio-economic development of Samoa.

Ends.