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Plans for new youth center in Tafuna underway

Pictured is the exact location where the proposed youth center will be built.  [photo: Blue Chen-Fruean]
blue@samoanews.com

A new youth center is slated to be constructed later this year in Tafuna, next to the OMV compound, where the old VA center (bingo hall & bar) was located.

This is according to Dept. of Youth and Women's Affairs (DYWA) Deputy Director Pa'u Roy Ausage, who told Samoa News last week that the proposed structure will be similar to the Pago Pago Youth Community Center.

Pa'u said the project is something that fulfills Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga's vision of promoting the youth and providing facilities for them to utilize for both professional and recreational purposes.

The facility, Pa'u explained, will be managed by DYWA and will include office spaces as well as exercise equipment and an open court for basketball and volleyball. The project will be funded with local monies and Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funds, although Pa'u said DYWA will also need to fundraise for the cause and he is willing to make the first donation.

He explained that the youth center is in the planning stages and once all the proper paperwork is in order, the project will be put out for bid. It is their hope that the work will start later this year.

Pa'u said having a youth center on the west side will benefit the residents in those counties, like how the Pago Pago Youth Community Center serves the east side population.

"How can we promote our athletes and expect them to compete internationally if we don't provide them with the proper facilities?" Pa'u asked.