Reverend Komisi Samuelu

Honourable Speaker

Honourable Ministers and Associate Ministers

Representatives of our development partners

Members of the Diplomatic Corps

Heads of government ministries and corporations

Distinguished guests and community leaders

It is my honour and privilege to welcome you all as we gather for the official launch of the Pacific Region Preparedness Adaptation and Resilience Project – PREPARE Samoa.

I extend my sincere appreciation to the World Bank for your steadfast partnership and support. Your commitment has been instrumental in bringing this important initiative to life and reflects our shared responsibility to safeguard the future of Samoa against the growing risks of climate change and natural disasters.

Today’s launch is both timely and significant. It aligns with and builds upon the momentum of Samoa’s Pathway for the Development of Samoa, our national framework guiding sustainable inclusive and resilient growth. The PREPARE Project represents a practical and strategic investment in achieving that vision.

As a Small Island Developing State, Samoa stands at the frontline of climate change. Our communities, infrastructure and economy remain highly vulnerable to cyclones flooding and other natural hazards. These challenges are not abstract. They are real and increasingly frequent. They test our resilience and demand thoughtful and decisive action.

The PREPARE Project responds directly to these realities. It seeks to strengthen national and community preparedness enhance response systems and invest in resilient infrastructure particularly in Salelologa and Apia. Through this project we are strengthening our ability to anticipate risks act early and recover stronger.

Allow me to highlight the core pillars of this important initiative.

First: strengthening hazard monitoring and early warning systems.

PREPARE will enhance Samoa’s multi-hazard early warning systems ensuring that accurate timely information reaches our people. Early warning saves lives. It allows families villages and institutions to respond before disaster strikes. This includes the installation of sirens and weather monitoring stations to improve national coverage and responsiveness.

Second: emergency preparedness and response.

The project will strengthen coordination capacity and readiness across government agencies and communities. It will ensure that Samoa is equipped to respond swiftly and effectively in times of crisis. This includes investments such as the construction of new fire stations to support emergency services and safeguard our people.

Third: critical infrastructure and urban resilience.

This is a central pillar of the PREPARE Project. It focuses on strengthening infrastructure and promoting risk-informed urban planning particularly through the redevelopment of Salelologa Township.

This investment will deliver:

• Risk-informed urban planning

• Resilient infrastructure that reduces vulnerability to flooding and extreme weather

• Improved services and connectivity to support livelihoods and economic growth

• Safer more inclusive public spaces for all

The transformation of Salelologa will include proper master planning the retrofitting of the Salelologa Market and the development of a revitalised waterfront with dedicated spaces for community use including recreational areas for our children and families.

It remains a fundamental principle of this Government that what benefits Upolu must equally benefit Savaii. Development must be balanced resilience must be shared and progress must reach all our people regardless of location.

Finally: project management and contingent emergency response.

This component ensures strong implementation oversight and includes a mechanism to rapidly mobilise resources in times of emergency. It strengthens our capacity to act without delay when disasters occur.

Together these components form a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to resilience in Samoa.

In closing I thank you all for your presence and your commitment to Samoa’s sustainable development. The success of PREPARE will depend on our collective effort. Government development partners the private sector and our communities must work together to ensure effective transparent and accountable implementation.

This is not simply an investment in infrastructure. It is an investment in resilience security and opportunity for current and future generations of Samoa.

Soifua ma ia manuia.