Samoa to Impose Strict Noise Restrictions and Ban all Construction Activities on Sundays

January 9, 2026

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9 January 2026 Apia Samoa. The Government of Samoa will be imposing strict noise restrictions on Sundays including bans on all construction and noise generating activities in a move to keep the Sabath holy as a day of rest in accordance to Biblical principles.

Samoa’s Prime Minister Hon Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt had first announced the intention during a press conference last year, and then again reiterated the Government’s stance during his keynote address to open a Fasting and Prayer Conference earlier this week.

The Prime Minister said nowadays during the Sabath, [construction] contractors are seen moving around freely in their vehicles and heavy machinery.

“Tatou vaavaai i aso nei e fai le Sapati ae feoa’i solo taavale ma masini a le au fai konekarate..”

“From this Sunday forth, the Government will impose strict bans on all works to be carried out on Sundays,” said Laaulialemalietoa as he received applause from the conference members.

“Except for Government essential services, and the necessary traders to supply the country’s basic needs, all other works will be banned on Sundays.”

The ban extends to loud equipment, mowers, power tools, amplified music and noise that disrespects the keeping of the Sabath holy.

The move is part of the Prime Minister’s plead to the Church to refocus on the nation’s spiritual walk, and prioritise prayer over Samoa as it battles shameful pandemics affecting the vulnerable.

The Prime Minister said Samoa should be ashamed of the prevalent abuse of women and children that had necessitated the establishment of the Samoa Victim Support Group, “Sa le tatau ona fanau mai.”

“Ia te a’u le Taitai o le Malo, ou te tatalo atu, e manaomia le tula’i a le Ekalesia i le taimi nei i le atunuu.”

“Aisea? Ua tatou vaavaai i le matautia o le mea lea ua sau. Le sauaina o tinā ma le fanau i amioga matagā, ua fanau ai le Samoa Victim Support sa le tatau ona fanau mai..”

The Prime Minister said Samoa has failed to protect its women and children from sexual violence and abuse, and the drug pandemic now affecting Samoa’s youth, is a failure of Government including the Police force, to protect the nation from drug traffickers and illicit drug trade.

The Prime Minister said “dirty money and looking down the barrel of a gun” – is the future of Samoa’s youth if affirmative action is not taken to fix the drug pandemic.

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The Prime Minister said prayer is a necessary part of Samoa’s collective efforts to address the country’s long standing social development issues, and called on all Christian faith churches to be a part of the National Council of Churches, as the official prayer warriors for Samoa.