SAMOA: Apia Waterfront PLAN Almost Complete

The Honourable Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Fatialofa Lupesoliai Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi, who is also the Chairman of the Apia
Waterfront Development Project Steering Committee, has released the Draft WATERFRONT PLAN which is now into its
remaining stages before finalisation following the second and final phase of consultations at the end of last month.

“We foresee that having active and attractive places along the waterfront will draw people to the seafront.” Said Tuilaepa.

“Both locals and visitors will enjoy the natural setting of the harbour and businesses to develop new commercial opportunities all of which will further attract more tourists-and give them reasons to stay longer in Apia and Samoa, creating a new sense
of pride and ownership of the Waterfront.” Added Tuilaepa.

The Draft Waterfront Plan is a strategic document that will guide Government planning and waterfront users on future
developments along the Apia Waterfront and how it is envisaged to be transformed in the next 10 to 15 years. The key
objective of the Waterfront Plan is to enhance the remaining public spaces along Mulinu’u to Taumeasina for community use
and small commercial opportunities; places for communities to gather, play, relax, perform, work and trade.

The Vision of the Waterfront Plan is “The Apia Waterfront is an attractive destination connecting people to unique places
and Samoan experiences”. The Waterfront is similar to an ula nifo or necklace made of beads and boar teeth; the beads
represent activity nodes along the waterfront while the teeth are access points linking the Waterfront to inner Apia.

Five overarching goals have been identified to help achieve the vision of the Waterfront Plan and guide future desired
outcomes for the whole waterfront. These goals are:
i. Create a unique Samoan experience;
ii. Create an inclusive, safe and clean waterfront;
iii. Enhance public domain for community use;
iv. Support opportunities for local business initiatives; and
v. Connect people to the sea.

This second and final phase of stakeholder engagement at the end of last month was to gauge feedback on the draft plan,
particularly on proposed concept plans, strategies and policies. The Draft Plan, is in its final stages of compilation and
scheduled to be launched at the end of the year.

The Apia Waterfront Development Project is made possible with the generous financial assistance of the New Zealand
Government through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Visit website apiawaterfront@mnre.gov.ws to access the Draft Apia Waterfront Plan and for more information.