20 June 2023 Japan. The Konoike Construction Co. Ltd and Central Consultant Inc. were award winners of the Construction Project Category at the 6th Japan Construction International Awards, for their work on the Project for Reconstruction of the Vaisigano Bridge in Apia.
The award was presented by the Japan Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLITT), Honorable Mr. SAITO Tetsuo in a ceremony attended by H.E Faalavaau Perina Jacqueline Sila-Tualaulelei, Samoa Ambassador to Japan.
HE Faalavaau delivered remarks congratulating Konoike Construction Co. Ltd and Central Consultant Inc. for the achievement.
In 2017, Samoa and Japan signed an agreement for Japanese grant assistance of to be provided for major infrastructure reconstruction for the Vaisigano Bridge.
The project was initiated to support speedy reconstruction and recovery from consecutive cyclones in past years with the most recent severe Cyclone Evan in 2012, which significantly damaged the country’s infrastructure.
The design was constructed using Japanese advanced technology and funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) grant aid.
The implementation of the project was managed by the Land Transport Authority. The design and supervision were undertaken by Central Consultants, with construction works undertaken by Konoike Construction of Japan.
The design of the Vaisigano Bridge ensured a climate resilient infrastructure engaging several local contractors in its construction.
This ensured that the specialized skills for bridge construction were transferred to the local people.
“During the construction work, I was impressed by the Samoans working hard every day. The on-the-job training conducted by Konoike Construction Company was highly praised by the Government of Samoa”, said Mr. Jun FUJIMURA of Central Consultant Inc.
The project type is a 75m three-span PC interconnected pretension hollow slab bridge with an estimated 40m depth designed for up to 100 years scale. Its structure is less prone to adhering salt and higher clearance from the surface of the sea. Additionally, it has waterproof sheet on concrete that maintains concrete quality at a height of 1.5m higher than the old bridge.
JICA hope that the Vaisigano bridge will continue to help expedite recovery in the surrounding communities in times of natural disasters and stands firm as a symbol of friendship between Japan and Samoa.
Her Excellency Faalavaau Perina Jacqueline Sila-Tualaulelei Speech
Minasama konnichiwa, Talofa Lava. Good afternoon.
Your Excellency Honourable SAITO Tetsuo, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism,
My fellow Ambassadorial Colleagues,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am delighted to attend this 6th Japan Construction International Award Ceremony today and to offer my warmest congratulations to Konoike Construction Company Limited and the Central Consultant Incorporated, for being presented the “Award for the Construction Project Category” from the Japanese Government for the “Project for the Reconstruction of the Vaisigano Bridge” in my country, Samoa.
I would also like to congratulate the other recipients of these awards today.
The Vaisigano Bridge is a vital transportation link that connects Samoa’s international wharf and the city, the central business district, the industrial zone and residents.
The original bridge was built in 1953, and having endured numerous natural disasters and sustained use over the years, it became structurally unsafe for our people.
Through the assistance of the Government of Japan and JICA, the construction of the new bridge began in 2018 and was completed in 2021. The new Vaisigano Bridge contributes to enhancing Samoa’s climate and disaster resilience through quality infrastructure, to providing improved and safe transportation, promotes socio-economic development and to the achievement of our sustainable development goals in general.
During the construction of this project, the Japanese companies worked closely with the Samoa Land Transport Authority and Samoan
companies, thereby fostering knowledge transfer and sharing and the upskilling of our officials and local contractors.
Samoa and Japan enjoy a warm and friendly relations and it continues to grow with renewed partnerships and strengthened engagement at the bilateral and also at the regional and international levels. Japan is one of Samoa’s key development partners and the ongoing support provided by Japan as evident in this important infrastructural project and others, is a testament of the continuous close relations and the genuine partnership between our two countries.
At the regional level, through the framework of the Japan-Pacific Leaders Meeting or PALM, Japan and Samoa and the Pacific region are committed to promoting our friendly and cooperative relations, one that is based on mutual trust and respect and shared values such as freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights and the environment.
As we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Samoa and Japan this year 2023, I would like to seize this opportunity to express, on behalf of the Government and the People of Samoa, my sincere gratitude to the Government and the People of Japan and to JICA, for the assistance Samoa receives to support our development aspirations. Kanshashitei orimasu.
I would also like to make a special tribute today to the late Honourable Tapunu’u Papalii Niko Lee Hang, former Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure of Samoa, who led our consultations on this project with the Government of Japan and JICA and towards its full completion.
Thank you very much for your attention. God bless. Soifua.
