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.
Five used firefighting trucks were handed over to the authority earlier today (9 August) at the SFESA Headquarters in Apia.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Samoa, H.E. Maugaoleatuolo Shinya Aoki represented his Government at the Handover Ceremony and officially handed over the keys to the Minister of the SFESA and Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa.
The five units of firefighting trucks consists of one bumper fire truck with tank, one water tank truck, one rescue truck and two fire bumper trucks all provided under Japan’s ongoing scheme, the Japanese Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects or GGP in short.
A grant of up to USD 88,819 was signed over to SFESA in March of last year for funding of the procurement, reconditioning and shipment of the five units from Japan.
The authority sought for Japan’s assistance in order for them to capitalise new substations in rural areas of both Upolu and Savaii Islands as well as to have adequate access to water supplies during emergencies.
Ambassador Aoki stated during his speech how important Japan’s GGP programme to assist in areas needed to improve across Samoa.
“Japan’s GGP programme aligns with Samoa’s national plan, Strategy for the Development of Samoa or SDS to assist areas across Samoa that is in much need of improvement.”
“This programme was introduced here in 1991 which was designed and founded on the concept of Human Security.”
He said given Samoa’s vulnerability to natural disasters, it was important to have an efficient and effective emergency service provider.
This 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 vehicles.
SFESA has received a number of firefighting trucks in addition to the two recent fire trucks funded through a separate scheme under Japan’s Grant for Economic and Social Development Programme.
“To increase the fleet is to enhance access to fire services and expedite the services during times of tragedy”.
Japan’s GGP development assistance has been ongoing for 28 years and focuses on small scale projects that directly benefits the grassroots level as well as contributing to the socio-economic development of Samoa.
Speech Handover Ceremony_SFESA fire trucks
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