Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — This Samoa News photo yesterday, shows that work has started on the renovation and extension of the Fagatogo Pavilion, which includes renovation work to the bathrooms.

The project is overseen by the Governor’s Office and the Department of Public Works, while Commerce Department secured federal funding.

DOC director, Keniseli Lafaele confirmed to Samoa News yesterday morning that work started Monday this week and the project contractor is Triple T Services Inc., which is owned by Tauileave Toluono, also the owner of Pentagon Construction.

Funding source is the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the federal program administered by DOC.  This funding was held up during the recent partial government shutdown, but now the funds have been released.

The project cost is estimated to be around $360,000

ASG is “aiming to complete the project before Flag Day this year,” said Lafaele. “The pavilion is part of the administration's downtown rehabilitation initiative.”