LocationsGreen transformation of transport sector in Samoa receives major boost with mass donation of 76 EVs from UNDP to the Government of Samoa
October 3, 2024
Aliona Niculita, UNDP MCO Samoa Resident Representative; H.E. Keisuke Senta, Ambassador of Japan to Samoa; and Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio, Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa, cutting the ribbon at the electric vehicle launch. Photo: Taunuuga Toatasi; Source: Samoa NewsHub
Apia, SAMOA – Seventy-six electric vehicles (EVs) were handed over to the Government of Samoa earlier today by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), thanks to a major regional project that Samoa is part of, funded by the Government of Japan.
Valued at more than US$6 million, the EVs were supplied by the Ford-Hyundai Samoa company. They include 24 sedans, 19 SUVs, 12 pick-up trucks, two of which were converted to first-responder firefighter trucks, a flat-bed truck converted to an oxygen tanks carrier truck with loading/unloading platform, and 20 plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) passenger vans (minibuses).
Fifty-three EVs will serve as official vehicles to cater for delegates of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) later this month.
Samoa's Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster proudly takes one of the Electric Vehicles for a test drive. Photos: Taunuuga Toatasi; Source: Samoa Global News
Attendees inspect newly launched electric vehicles at the CAP-IT Project event in Tuanaimato, Samoa. Photo: Taunuuga Toatasi / Government; Source: Samoa NewsHub
Supporting infrastructure are also now in place, with 14 wall mounted EV charging stations installed at selected Government premises, five high capacity ground mounted Direct Current (DC) type charging stations at the Tuanaimato Bowser, and several public charging stations, such as a solar-powered DC type charging station at the Mulifanua wharf, and the Faleolo and Fagalii airports, as well as other locations. The Bowser central government charging station will be fully operational later this month.
All this was made possible under the Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport (CAP-IT) Project, implemented by the Government of Samoa via the leadership of the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure (MWTI), in partnership with UNDP, and funded by Japan.
Honourable Olo Fiti Afoa Vaai, Minister of Works, Transport & Infrastructure, delivers his address at the launch of the CAP-IT Project in Tuanaimato, Samoa. Source: Samoa NewsHub
“We applaud the fact that this is the first time in the world that some of these EV models have been manufactured and reconfigured to suit our purposes. Most significantly, the procurement of this first lot of EVs for the Government fleet, is our response to the Expected Outcomes of the Pathway to the Development of Samoa 2021 to 2026, in placing emphasis on strengthening and increasing ‘Green Developments’” said Hon. Olo Fiti Afoa Vaai, Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure.
The project aims to promote urgent and inclusive transformation of the land and maritime transport sectors towards decarbonization. The project supports the achievement of Samoa’s enhanced NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) which is a climate action plan to cut emissions and adapt to climate impacts, for the energy and transport sector by 2030.
Aliona Niculita, UNDP Resident Representative at the electric vehicle launch. Photo: UNDP Samoa
“Today’s launch of EVs represents a pivotal moment in our journey towards a cleaner and more resilient transportation system in Samoa. The CAP-IT project is a vital part of our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and promote sustainable mobility solutions across the islands. With these electric vehicles, Samoa takes another step towards achieving our Sustainable Development Goals, also Samoa’s NDCs, and leading by example in the Pacific region,” said Aliona Niculita, UNDP Resident Representative.
Two critical related studies were also launched today focusing on (1) End-of-life EV battery management, and (2) Traffic volumes, vehicle registration, imports, and ownership.
H.E. Senta Keisuke, Japan’s Ambassador to Samoa at the electric vehicle launch. Photo: UNDP Samoa
“The two reports we are launching today – the Baseline Assessment of Samoa's Transport Sector and the Report on Solutions for the Safe Disposal and Recycling of EV Batteries – will play a critical role in shaping Samoa’s National Transport Decarbonization Strategy. These reports represent a crucial step towards advancing sustainable transport solutions for the future," said H.E. Senta Keisuke, Japan’s Ambassador to Samoa.
The CAP-IT project is a component of the Japan-funded regional project, ‘Promoting Green Transformation in the Pacific Region towards Net-zero and Climate-Resilient Development’, also supporting Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Vanuatu in achieving their green transformation ambitions for a more inclusive, climate-resilient future.
The US$36.8 million regional project, with a country allocation of US$15.5 million for Samoa, is scheduled for completion in March 2025.
For media queries, please contact:
Kalavini Maualaivao, Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure (MWTI) | Tel. +685 23504 | E: kalavini.maualaivao@mwti.gov.ws
Tomomi Ishikawa, Embassy of Japan, Samoa | Tel. +685 21187 | E: tomomi.ishikawa@mofa.go.jp
Laufaleaina Lesa, UNDP Multi Country Office, Samoa | Tel. +685 23670 | E: laufaleaina.lesa@undp.org