The Leone Bridge has been re-opened after a $10.9million project to repair the damage inflicted by Cyclone Evans five years ago.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi was joined by Australia’s Governor General, Sir Peter Cosgrove, for the official opening. 

The project was co-funded by Australia and the World Bank. 

Sir Cosgrove highlighted the importance of such facilities for Samoa.

 “We understand and your government is clear that this sort of infrastructure investments directly contributes to the Samoan economy so from our point of view this is a wonderful outcome,” he said.

“Let this be an ongoing symbol of the growing and important partnership between Samoa and Australia.”

Prime Minister Tuilaepa was delighted.

 “Australia with others, continue to provide support through the Infrastructure Technical Assistance Facility, Green Climate Fund and other facilities,” he said.

“Similarly we would like to also pay tribute to the World Bank Group through its in country Representative Saoleitititi Maeva Vaai for persisting in the development of the Land Transport Sector.

“You were able to leverage resources and encouraged partnerships to facilitate the completion of a number of major works including Leone Bridge.

“The delays that pushed back progress due to limited technical capacity in country, is now history as we gather to celebrate the completion of Leone Bridge.”

 The construction of the bridge was carried out by China Railway First Group for $10.9million.

Isikuki Punivalu and Associates was the Project Management Unit.

Leone bridge was officially opened for public use in May this year.

China Railway First Group (Samoa) Company Limited was contracted by Land Transport Authority to conduct the project co-funded by the World Bank.

 “C.R.F.G is known to the world through civil work skills and it recently established its branch in Samoa and are now working on their first project at Leone Bridge.” 

Yang Jun, Project Manager said the bridge should “last 100 years.”