Ads by Google Ads by Google

Gov and cabinet members meet with design team for new hospital

Linda Lileikis
Joyetter@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — American Samoa Government officials met with Architects Hawaii Limited (AHL) at their Honolulu office to discuss the next steps in constructing the new hospital.

The AHL was awarded the contract to build the new hospital after the bidding process. This was confirmed in a statement issued yesterday.

The meeting held last week, was attended by Gov Lemanu P. S. Mauga Cabinet Directors Peti Matila, Ryan Tuato'o, Faleosina Voigt, Tuiafono Vaiula Sua, and the hospital Chief Executive Officer Moefaauo Bill Emmseley.

A statement from ASG said that Gov. Lemanu shared with the group that healthcare has always been a priority for his administration.

“He further explained that the new hospital will be the anchor tenant of the Tech park that Director Matila and her team have been working on.

“Governor Lemanu urged the AHL group to expedite the planning process and work closely with the American Samoa team to start the construction of the hospital soon.”

The statement says the AHL group led by Linda Lileikis, who is a Senior Associate and a Project Director expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of Governor Lemanu's vision.

“The current plan for the new hospital design will include 40 beds. Although Lions Park is not in a flood zone, the AHL group recognizes that with climate change and rising king tides, the first floor of the new hospital will not include any critical services or utilities.

“The first floor will fit two levels of parking spaces to reflect an urban look. Governor Lemanu requested a 3D model and he looks forward to seeing the finalized design by the AHL group.

“The AHL team will be visiting American Samoa in February to conduct an assessment of available resources and identify what products will need to be imported for the construction of the new hospital.”

Director Matila provided a holistic view of the overall design of the Tech park development emphasizing that the new hospital will be the key tenant.

“The new development will include a corridor for Education, Health, and Information Technology (IT). The idea behind the Tech Park is the interconnection of all healthcare services.

“For example, the new medical plaza that will be built adjacent to the new hospital and will provide spaces for private healthcare services that are Medicaid certified such as dental, vision, etc.

“Director Matila shared that the finalized master plan for the Tech Park is in the works and should be available soon. Governor Lemanu looks forward to welcoming the AHL team to American Samoa next month.”