Games Village completion on track for July
Driving along the Main West Coast Road, the Games Village at Faleula is a hive of activity. Electric Power Corporation, an official Friend of the Games, has staff up power poles, upgrading the electricity supply to the village.
The Fire and Emergency Services Authority is carrying out inspections to check that smoke and fire alarms are installed, that there are enough emergency exits in all buildings, and that electrical wiring is up to standard.
The Disaster Management Office will be checking that assembly points and evacuation routes are clearly marked.
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"As of now all the preparations are ahead of schedule. We are hoping to complete all construction and renovations of the building at the end of the month of May," says Reverend Amosa Tapuai, Accommodation Project Manager.
Huge water tanks are being sourced as back-up for emergencies. Police will be on-site throughout the Games, with three shifts of 50 officers each, day and night. No alcohol is allowed in the Village, as well as no smoking.
Photo: Construction at the Games Village is on schedule for completion.
Providing a comfortable, secure and safe area for athletes to rest during their stay in Samoa has been a key priority for the Pacific Games Office.
Rev Amosa added: “As of now all the bed bunks, pillows, sheets and everything for the rooms such as soaps and things like that, have arrived for the Games. So we are excited as we are getting closer to the Games.”
All aspects of setting up a Games Village has been explored to ensure that teams will enjoy the experience.
The sound of construction echoes through the compound, which is owned by the Methodist Church, as workers put the finishing touches on new homes, while others work to renovate existing structures.
Country teams have been allocated neighbouring houses so that they will be close together for their stay. The houses consist of spacious communal rooms, many at the water’s edge. Louvre windows with insect screens allow air to circulate, and pedestal fans will be available for that extra breeze.
The kitchen facilities for the dining hall are being renovated, so that breakfast can be prepared by the hosts from 5.30am every morning before athletes head out to the competition venues. The dining hall is an expansive, high-ceilinged building with a view of the sea – seating up to 1500 people at a time.
The Pacific Games Office has maximised the space so that queues for hungry athletes will be kept to a minimum.
