DOE central office project breaks ground, set for completion August ‘09
The Department of Education’s central office in Utulei is expected to be fully completed and ready for occupancy by August 2009. Governor Togiola Tulafono said breaking ground for the new DOE office is a sign of growth, adding that enrollment at all schools across the territory has increased, with the educational workforce growing with credentials and expertise.
The new office, which comes with a price tag of $1,038,607.30, is being constructed on the site of the old central office which was recently demolished.
“In constructing this structure on the original site, let us reflect on the important and unselfish contributions of our education pioneers - director Pula Iuli Nikolao and director Mere Tuiasosopo Betham - and those that paved the way for education in Tutuila and Manu’a from this location,” Governor Togiola said. “We owe them respect and gratitude. May the contributions that will be made in this future structure be just as important and positive as the original building.”
During the groundbreaking ceremony, which was attended by Governor Togiola Tulafono and other Cabinet members, including DOE personnel and project contractors APECS, DOE Director Dr. Claire Poumele said that the project has been in the planning stages for almost four years. She urged the contractors not to make DOE wait an entire year, and added that all the necessary revisions have been made to the blueprint, to ensure that there will only be ‘minimal change orders.’
When the new building is completed, DOE will be able to house all their offices in one centralized location. Currently, DOE offices are scattered all over the territory, with some offices being housed at the AP Lutali Executive Office Building, the old Election Office at the DHSS compound in Utulei, the former Daewoosa compound in Tafuna, the Lions Park, the Lumana’i Building in Fagatogo, and the Tafuna High School campus.
Poumele thanked Governor Togiola for making education ‘a priority’ in government. She noted that in addition to the central office project, DOE also has numerous other projects planned for the coming months. They include the groundbreaking for Alofau and Pava’ia’i Elementary Schools in January 2009, the construction of the Siliaga Early Childhood Education Center (set to begin before the year is out), and the renovation of the Manu’a gym.
Togiola, during his speech, explained that designing the office was difficult, and that is why the project was delayed. He said the final design allows for the government to make additions to the building at a later time.
Public Works Director Taeaotui Punaofo Tilei said that the project began after four different contractors worked on the design, with other problems arising here and there. He added that his office can terminate the project anytime if the contractor does not meet the date of completion.
The groundbreaking ceremony concluded after the site was blessed by Rev. Ioane Evagelia of the Utulei CCCAS.
|
