U.S. Embassy Apia, Chargé d’Affaires, Jonathan Lee Yoo, was honored to deliver remarks at the opening of the Lalomauga Primary School reconstruction project today.
“This project was the direct result of discussions between the American Embassy and the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Culture, when we asked how we could assist with any primary schools in most need of repair or rebuilding,” said Chargé d’Affaires Yoo.
This school building was built in accordance with the International Building code and U.S. engineering standards.
- 6-classroom building, complete with blackboards, pin boards and ceiling fans, library and 3 rooms for the principal and teachers, along with a storage room and a 4-toilet restroom.
- The structural system is reinforced concrete masonry wall with a sawn lumber roofing structure and a metal sheet roof.
- Electrical work includes all necessary lighting, receptacles, exhausts, and ceiling fans with a grounding system.
Caretaker Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Honorable Loau Keneti Sio gave the keynote address representing the Government of Samoa while U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Jonathan Lee Yoo delivered remarks on behalf of the United States Government thanking all of the development and community partners that helped bring the project to fruition.
“Although funded by the U.S., the school itself was completed by a local Samoan builder. We contracted the services of Schwartz Construction Limited to ensure that this facility was built for Samoans, built by Samoans.” and “Our hope is that this new facility will greatly enhance the education experience at Lalomauga Primary for years to come,” adds Chargé d’Affaires Yoo.
This USD 399,173.50 project was funded by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid fund, which built the Faleolo Medical Center, rebuilt Asaga Primary School, renovated several schools in the Safata district, and will be doing further works at Magiagi Primary School later this year.