The group consists of FFAS president Iuli Alex Godinet, chief executive Tavita Taumua, Vuksich and Borich Ltd New Zealand president Ray Vuksich, field consultant Laurie Stubbing, Paramount Builders Inc project engineer Edmund Occena and site manager Fonoti Perelini Perelini.
They discussed the progress of the second and third phases of the Goal Project – an initiative by FIFA to help national associations around the world improve their facilities.
Pago Park, the headquarters of FFAS, was opened in 2007 but was badly damaged by a natural disaster just two years later when a series of earthquakes and tsunamis devastated parts of American Samoa, Samoa and Tonga in September 2009.
FIFA has contributed US $800,000 towards the tsunami repair work and the next phases of the Goal Project, which will see the park undergo a facelift.
Work has now begun following last week’s blessing ceremony and the project management group came together to discuss the progress.
Perelini explained that extension work on the office building may be stalled due to its coastal zone requirements.
The building is right next to the ocean and, if it is to be extended, the entire premises must be lifted 12-feet above sea level on concrete piles.
This is a big concern because of the cost involved in elevating the building.
Another option is to build a separate structure but space at the park is limited and the group is worried this would leave no room available for any future projects.
Paramount Builders are currently carrying out clearing work and will start renovating the office as soon as the building permits are obtained.
The clearing is part of the extension of the playing fields.
FFAS will have two minimum-sized international fields once the work is finished and the re-sown grass is fully grown.
The federation is expecting a visit from FIFA representatives within the next two weeks to check on the progress of the Goal Project.
The management group hopes to meet every fortnight to make sure everything is on track.
Story and photo courtesy of FFAS Media.
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