By Staff Writer
The newly opened Matagialalua Friendship Park is doing all the talking China needs to show goodwill intentions for the people of Samoa.
The Chinese built recreational grounds officially opened on Friday evening and has been getting rave reviews from everywhere since.
The outpouring on social media of gratitude and appreciation are a marked change from recent claims that China was buying up customary land in a takeover of Samoa.
The wave of fear mongering claims was critical of the Government of then Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, soundly criticized as political campaign tactics before the 2021 general elections.
The sprawling Arts and Culture Centre going through the finishing touches inside the Education compound at Malifa, is another major development project funded by China.
The official opening of the new building is already in the planning process.
More praises for the helping hand with this contribution to education in Samoa, is bound to echo once again, as it has been with the Matagialalua Friendship Park.
“Your Excellency Ambassador Xiaoliang, this project would not have been possible without the generous financial assistance and support of the Government of the Peoples Republic of China in partnership with the Municipality of Huizhou City of the Guangdong Province. We thank you very much!” Prime Minister Fiame offered in appreciation to the Chinese ambassador at the Friday evening official opening.
The new park is China’s contribution to the Waterfront Beautification Project launched in 2016 by the former Government of PM Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.
New Zealand has already contributed with the funding of the Apia Boulevard and the Savalalo Playground.
The Waterfront Project is designed to run from Mulinu’u across central Apia to Vaiala.
“The goal has been to create a safe environment and modern space that connects people and places, and which will allow our people and families, visitors from abroad and tourists to relax in natural surroundings, and enjoy leisure and recreation in a safe, culturally friendly and favourable atmosphere,” PM Fiame added in her address.
“I would like to extend to the Government of the People’s Republic of China, and the Huizhou Municipality our sincere appreciation of the generous assistance and ongoing support which has allowed us to witness this development of immense creativity, and an asset for the enjoyment of our people and tourists now and in the years to come.”
Former PM Tuilaepa attended the park opening and was quietly impressed with the how the final look turned out.
“Looks pretty good,” he said and continued on with his ‘walkabout’ of the park when asked by Newsline Samoa.