Long awaited repairs to the deteriorating Fagatogo Marketplace will finally be carried out thanks to a $2.1 million grant from the US Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the US Department of Commerce.
The demolition and reconstruction of a new, more modern Fagatogo Marketplace – proposed to be a two-story facility featuring stalls used for the sale of various items from fish to Samoan handicrafts - has been a long time coming and work on the project is scheduled to commence sometime later this year.
Operations at the Marketplace, including vendors selling local produce and breakfast goods will be temporarily housed at the old Korea House in Pago Pago while the Fagatogo Marketplace undergoes a major facelift.
Earlier this year, Governor Togiola Tulafono announced his hopes to turn the run down building into a YMCA center. The Korea House, which is located on government land but owned by an Asian businessman, has been unoccupied for many years after a big fire ripped through the structure and caused serious damages.
Further talks about the matter will take place later this week between representatives from ASG departments of Public Works, Agriculture, Commerce, and the Governor’s Office.
On his weekend radio talk show, Togiola explained that the Korea House was decided upon because of its vacancy status and its accessibility to the public. Public Works director Taeaotui Punaofo Tilei’s staff members have been busy cleaning and clearing the surrounding area in preparation for the big move-in, while the Governor seeks funding to carry out the renovation work.
If everything goes as planned, the temporary marketplace should be ready for occupancy as early as next month.
Anyone with questions or inquiries may contact the Agriculture Department or the Governor’s Office. |
