Signing Ceremony of The Project for the Procurement of Vehicles for the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) (November 7, 2025)
2025/11/7
Ambassador Suzuki and Commissioner Tanuvasa Oloapu Petone Mauga signing the grant contract
Ambassador Suzuki and Commissioner Tanuvasa Oloapu Petone Mauga signing the grant contract
Ambassador Suzuki with representatives of the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority
The Government of Japan and the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (SFESA) today formalised their partnership through the signing of the Grant Contract under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) at the Embassy of Japan in Apia.
H.E. Mr. SUZUKI Ryotaro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Samoa signed over the grant of up to SAT 356,521 to Tanuvasa Oloapu Petone Mauga, Commissioner of SFESA.
The assistance will enable SFESA to procure three new vehicles, two vans and one pick-up truck that will service the main fire station in Apia, A’ana fire station and Maota fire station in Savai’i.
The project aims to address one of SFESA’s key challenges, the shortage of reliable vehicles to transport both first responders and support staff to emergency sites. Many of the Authority’s current vehicles can only accommodate two to four staff members, often resulting in delay in mobilizing additional manpower, resources and equipment during major emergencies such as fires or natural disasters.
The provision of these new vehicles will directly address these challenges by improving SFESA’s ability to deploy personnel quickly and efficiently to emergency sites, while also contributing to the overall safety and well-being of communities across Samoa.
Since SFESA’s establishment, Japan has been proud to support the Authority under the GGP programme with various vehicles and equipment, including fire trucks, ambulances and rescue boats, through projects implemented in 2009, 2014, 2017, 2020 and 2021. These assets have been allocated to fire stations across Upolu and Savai’i Island. Additionally, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan has continuously conducted training programs and volunteer dispatches that help build staff capacity.
Moreover, Japan is pleased to see the Authority actively applying Japan’s technology, expertise and experience in its daily operations. The new vehicles provided under this project will further strengthen the capacity of the Agency and enhance public confidence in its service.
Japan’s GGP has supported a wide range of initiatives that contribute to community resilience and enhancement of people’s daily lives since its introduction in Samoa in 1991.
This latest project reflects Japan’s continued commitment to supporting Samoa’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities, strengthening bilateral cooperation under the shared vision of building safer and more resilient communities.
H.E. Mr. SUZUKI Ryotaro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Samoa signed over the grant of up to SAT 356,521 to Tanuvasa Oloapu Petone Mauga, Commissioner of SFESA.
The assistance will enable SFESA to procure three new vehicles, two vans and one pick-up truck that will service the main fire station in Apia, A’ana fire station and Maota fire station in Savai’i.
The project aims to address one of SFESA’s key challenges, the shortage of reliable vehicles to transport both first responders and support staff to emergency sites. Many of the Authority’s current vehicles can only accommodate two to four staff members, often resulting in delay in mobilizing additional manpower, resources and equipment during major emergencies such as fires or natural disasters.
The provision of these new vehicles will directly address these challenges by improving SFESA’s ability to deploy personnel quickly and efficiently to emergency sites, while also contributing to the overall safety and well-being of communities across Samoa.
Since SFESA’s establishment, Japan has been proud to support the Authority under the GGP programme with various vehicles and equipment, including fire trucks, ambulances and rescue boats, through projects implemented in 2009, 2014, 2017, 2020 and 2021. These assets have been allocated to fire stations across Upolu and Savai’i Island. Additionally, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan has continuously conducted training programs and volunteer dispatches that help build staff capacity.
Moreover, Japan is pleased to see the Authority actively applying Japan’s technology, expertise and experience in its daily operations. The new vehicles provided under this project will further strengthen the capacity of the Agency and enhance public confidence in its service.
Japan’s GGP has supported a wide range of initiatives that contribute to community resilience and enhancement of people’s daily lives since its introduction in Samoa in 1991.
This latest project reflects Japan’s continued commitment to supporting Samoa’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities, strengthening bilateral cooperation under the shared vision of building safer and more resilient communities.