Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Groundbreaking for a new ASDOE building in Tafuna took place recently and the building will be one of the first of its kind in American Samoa, according to Gov. Lemanu P.S. Mauga.

Governor Lemanu was the keynote speaker, reminiscing about how the location of the new ASDOE building was once used for government housing. He expressed excitement that this initiative will now serve the educational needs of our people. The governor stated that projects like this will always be a priority for the government: “We’re grateful to work on these projects because they address long-term needs, especially for our children. This new building will serve the educational needs of our people, as education is one of the pillars of our society.”

Gov. Lemanu emphasized that the new ASDOE building will be one of the first of its kind in American Samoa: “We have all seen buildings and skyscrapers in the U.S. and Hawaii, which is why when we sat down to draw up the blueprint of this building, we wanted our people to know that, infrastructure-wise, we are not far behind the mainland.” This will be the first ASG building, apart from the EOB, to be three stories high, with the second floor designated solely as a parking lot.

Reverend Sapini Te’o of Au’asi Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa (CCCAS) conducted the sermon where he quoted the book of Psalms, chapter 121, verse 1: “I lift my eyes to the mountains, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.”

Reverend Sapini, in referencing the Bible quote, stated that before any work is done, we must always look to the heavens to seek help and blessings from our God. “Once we seek His help first, any task at hand will be blessed and guided by His Holy Spirit.” Reverend Sapini concluded the sermon by saying, “May all that is done be for the Lord's praises and be beneficial to the people of American Samoa.”

The Department of Public Works Director, Faleosina Voigt, congratulated ASDOE on the beginning of construction for their administrative building, which is situated on 1.23 acres of land. Director Voigt mentioned that the building will be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible, with reinforced concrete walls, foundation, and ceiling. It will also have a rainwater catchment system, two elevators, and solar energy panels for electricity.

Paramount Builders was the successful contractor.