DATE: Friday, 23 August 2024, 3pm
Venue: Apia Fire Station, Tauese
Honorable Members of Cabinet
Members of Parliament
Diplomats
CEOs of Government Ministries & Corporations
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
We are gathered here to witness another milestone for the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (SFESA). It is therefore my pleasure to welcome you all here today on this miraculous afternoon to celebrate the handing over of specialized firefighting and emergency response equipment’s and resources to further strengthen the services offered by the Authority.
On 18th March 2022 the Authority signed an agreement with Embassy of Japan for provision of these specialized firefighting and emergency response resources. The delay was due to Covid prolonging effects and restrictions as well as natural disasters that affected Japan. Regardless, today on the 23 August 2024 we are honored to officially receive these resources donated by the Embassy of Japan.
These items are;
• Two (2) water tank trucks, one (1) pumper water tank truck and one (1) chemical pump truck, which is an overall total of Four (4) refurbished fire and emergency response trucks.
• Two (2) new floodlights.
• New and used rescue tools and equipment’s
The Government and people of Samoa acknowledges with gratitude the Government of Japan’s assistance through the Embassy of Japan in Samoa, in financing the procurement of these specialized vehicles and resources we see before us today. This is not the first time the Government of Japan has gifted the Authority items as in previous years they donated trucks, ambulances, rescue boats to name a few, and today, we witness this partnership grow and flourish.
The overall value of the items gifted to the Authority today is $282,309 US dollars which is equivalent to $763,472 Samoan tala.
Firefighting appliances are expensive, and cannot be catered for by our local budget. The Authority therefore approached the Embassy of Japan for their assistance under their Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) for the procurement of these firefighting appliances to equip the new fire station in Faleolo but also improve its overall emergency responses. These resources will add value to the work of the Authority in the areas of fire suppression, search and rescue operations, flooding and various other emergency and natural disaster responses.
The Government of Japan through the Embassy is one of the Authority’s main donor partners and we value and appreciate the ongoing support but also look forward to ongoing partnerships in the future.
We therefore pray and hope for the continuation of this partnership that assist in the improving of services offered by the Authority and in return help SFESA achieve its vision which is “ to be the lead agency in safeguarding lives, properties, and environment through empowering communities to be resilient”
On behalf of the Government and people of Samoa I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people and the Government of Japan for its continued assistance through provision of these resources for the Authority which will no doubt assist in saving lives and properties of our people. Thank you to Your Excellency Senta Keisuke and your team for assisting with our request and ensuring that these specialized resources are procured and delivered as agreed on. SFESA could not have made it without your support, unwavering commitment and continued partnership with us. Arigato Gozaimasu (thank you in Japanese), Faafetai, tele lava.
Thank you and God Bless.
Photos by Government of Samoa (Taunuuga Toatasi)
