Church targets May for Jubilee opening

By Ilia L. Likou 09 April 2017, 12:00AM

The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa’s Jubilee Church is likely to open on the first week of May.

Speaking to the Sunday Samoan, the Chairman of the Congregational Christian Church, Reverend Elder Tautiaga Senara, said the date is tentative at this stage. 

 “The exact day is yet to be finalised,” he said.

“It all depends on the weather, but the first week (of May) is what we are looking at now.”

The Chairman said there would be a meeting this week to determine the final date.

“The church will have to finalise the date but we are looking at that. It depends on everything going according to plan.”

The total cost of the Jubilee Church as of today is not known.

According to an update on the Church’s website dated 3 February 2017, the project is close to being completed.

There is still some work being done by Diamond Head Design and Build Construction Company, FPA Construction as well as the painting and carving being carried out by the Art School.

The report says the plaster and water-proofing work being carried out by VW Constriction is almost finished. 

Aluminium Designs has been tasked with doors and windows.

During the Church’s annual conference last year, a special subcommittee was appointed to speed up the work on the project. At the meeting, it was revealed that the project has already cost  more than  $10million.

The amount was confirmed during the General Assembly.

The project, which started in 2014, was initially estimated to cost $7m. 

At that time, the building was scheduled to be opened in 2015.

Last year, the Samoa National Provident Fund approved the church’s loan of $15million tala. The church is now given 10 to 15 years to pay the loan with yearly payments of $1.7million.

Another source said the cost of the church could be well over $15million.

By Ilia L. Likou 09 April 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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