The Project for the Procurement of Vehicles for the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (April 30, 2026)
2026/4/30
Ambassador Ryotaro Suzuki and the ceremony attendees
Ambassador Ryotaro Suzuki delivering his remarks
Three Japanese vehicles handed over
The Government of Japan and the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (SFESA) have marked another milestone in their longstanding partnership through the official handover of three new vehicles at a ceremony held earlier today (30 April).
H.E. Mr. SUZUKI Ryotaro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Samoa, attended the ceremony alongside the Associate Minister and Minister of Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Hon. Vui Iiga Sione Iiga, Cabinet Ministers, members of the Borad of Directors, staff and other distinguished guests.
This handover follows the earlier signing of the Grant Contract which formalized the grant provision of SAT 356,521 in November 2025.
The assistance has enabled the procurement of three new vehicles, two Toyota 14 seater vans and one Nissan 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 addresses one of SFESA’s key operational 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 is expected to significantly improve SFESA’s ability to respond quickly and efficiently, thereby enhancing the 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.
The newly provided vehicles will further strengthen the capacity of the Authority’s operational capacity and contribute in enhancing 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, attended the ceremony alongside the Associate Minister and Minister of Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Hon. Vui Iiga Sione Iiga, Cabinet Ministers, members of the Borad of Directors, staff and other distinguished guests.
This handover follows the earlier signing of the Grant Contract which formalized the grant provision of SAT 356,521 in November 2025.
The assistance has enabled the procurement of three new vehicles, two Toyota 14 seater vans and one Nissan 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 addresses one of SFESA’s key operational 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 is expected to significantly improve SFESA’s ability to respond quickly and efficiently, thereby enhancing the 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.
The newly provided vehicles will further strengthen the capacity of the Authority’s operational capacity and contribute in enhancing 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.