Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A $750,000+ contract was let to Golden State Investment (Golden Island Services) upon winning the bid for construction of the new Masefau Elementary Multipurpose Building. The total cost for this project is $754,995.

On August 8, 2024, the village of Masefau gathered for a special groundbreaking ceremony to begin construction of their multipurpose building. The Master of Ceremonie, Fa’afetai Tasha Atio’o, welcomed the guests, which included Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga and First Lady Ella Mauga, members of the Fono, Cabinet members, and the community.

Reverend Elder Sefa Sio of Masefau Assembly of God (AOG) delivered the invocation, referencing the story of Noah and how he listened to God's instructions “In building the Ark, Noah followed God's instructions to the letter. In submitting to the will of our Lord, he managed to accomplish the Ark.” Reverend Sio continued by saying that this groundbreaking will be successful, because like Noah, the village of Masefau and the American Samoa Government are following the will of God to pursue and build facilities for our children.

In his special remarks, Governor Lemanu commended the village of Masefau for their perseverance in obtaining the necessary approval for their Elementary Multipurpose Building. He said, “Thank you for pursuing this project to build a crucial infrastructure not only for the children of Masefau but also for those in Masausi and Sailele. The American Samoa Government is always pleased to support projects that benefit families, communities, and our island home.” Governor Lemanu also noted that despite the village's somewhat remote location, the determination of its people to build the best facilities for their children’s academic needs is commendable. He concluded, “May this Multipurpose Building serve the children academically and meet the needs of the community.”

The project was described by Director of Public Works Faleosina Voigt who said that the building structure would be 80 ft in length by 60 ft in width. Director Faleosina mentioned that six contractors put in their bid and congratulated Golden State Investment (Golden Island Services) on winning the bid for construction of the Multipurpose Building. The total cost for this project is $754,995.

American Samoa Department of Education (ASDOE) Director Talauega Dr. Samasoni Asaeli spoke briefly on the excitement of yet another educational project in the works. Director Asaeli emphasized on the importance of mental wellness especially for our young generations which further motivated ASDOE to fund the building as a way to service the needs of Masefau Elementary and to ensure the children's mental wellness are addressed.

High Talking Chief Maga on behalf of Masefau expressed his gratitude to Governor Lemanu and the government for answering their request for a multipurpose building. HTC Maga said that although these are trying times, Masefau is grateful for putting the needs of their children first as education plays a vital role in any community.

The ceremony concluded with Governor Lemanu and guests breaking ground for the Masefau Elementary Multipurpose Building. Construction will proceed today, August 12, 2024 with a timeframe of eight months.