The Asian Development Bank has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to supporting sustainable infrastructure development in Samoa during the first official visit by ADB Director Mr. Chen Chen to the country.
The Director’s visit to the Land Transport Authority marks an important milestone in the partnership between the ADB and the Government of Samoa, underscoring the bank’s ongoing investment in building resilient transport networks across the Pacific.
As one of the Pacific region’s largest multilateral development partners, the ADB plays a key role in financing infrastructure that strengthens climate resilience, improves connectivity, and supports economic growth. In Samoa, the bank has been a longstanding partner in upgrading critical transport infrastructure to improve access, safety, and disaster preparedness.
Hosted by Acting LTA Chief Executive Officer Muliagatele Tiumalu Malcolm Esera, the delegation received updates on two flagship ADB-funded initiatives currently being implemented by the Authority: the Central Cross Island Road Upgrade Project and the Land Transport Sector Development Project.
ADB and Land Transport Authority officials meet with project personnel during a site visit to the Central Cross Island Road Upgrade Project in Samoa. Photo: Mermada Pacific
The projects form part of Samoa’s broader efforts to modernise its road network and improve connectivity for communities, businesses, and emergency services, while ensuring infrastructure is better equipped to withstand the impacts of climate change and natural disasters.
The delegation also toured the CW-2 section of the Central Cross Island Road Upgrade Project, where project supervision consultants SMEC and LTA officials provided an overview of construction progress and the scope of the upgrade works.
While ADB technical missions regularly visit Samoa to oversee the implementation of development projects, this was the Director’s first official courtesy visit to the country, reflecting the growing importance of Samoa within the bank’s Pacific development agenda.
The Land Transport Authority said it values its strong partnership with the Asian Development Bank, whose continued support has been instrumental in delivering safer, more resilient, and sustainable transport infrastructure that will benefit current and future generations of Samoans.
This article was originally published by MerMada Pacific Media/Mai News.
