Apia, SAMOA — The Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure is looking at boosting security at the Faleolo International Airport by proposing to supply and install new CT x-ray technology machines for aircraft hold and carry-on baggage.
This proposition is highlighted in the ministry's sector plan for the year 2023-2028 which was launched last month.
The installation of new CT x-ray technology machines is in line with one of the sector's objectives to improve climate resilience, safety and security of airports by enhancing infrastructure and technology maintenance and management.
The equipment is expected to be installed by March of 2024 with an estimation cost of USD$1,000,000 to be funded by the Samoa Airport Authority (S.A.A.).
Speaking in Parliament last month, the Aviation Minister Olo Fiti Va'ai told Parliament that S.A.A. has also offered to fund much-needed upgrade to the V.I.P. lounge at the international airport, ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2024.
Olo who is also the Minister for M.W.T.I. revealed that they have put forth a request to Cabinet to upgrade the V.I.P. lounge as the country hosts the high-level commonwealth meeting in Oct next year.
A total of $20 million tala has been allocated in the 2023/2024 Budget for the nation's preparations for C.H.O.G.M. next year.
The Cabinet had already activated the National C.H.O.G.M. Taskforce Committee to spearhead preparations for the meeting.
The Committee is the decision-making authority that is responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of the C.H.O.G.M. in October next year in Apia.
Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata'afa is the Chairperson of the Taskforce and is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Read more in Samoa Observer
