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Author: Raj Keresoma
Apia, Samoa – July 26, 2024 – Last night, Samoa Customs and Revenue (MCR) launched the long-awaited $62 million container X-ray scanner and inspection facility at Apia Wharf, a move that will enhance Samoa’s border security and prevention of illegal trade.
The project is funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Strengthening Security and Sustainability (ESSSAP) project.
Speaking on behalf of the Asian Development Bank, Senior Country Officer Tuala Maria Melei Tagiilima said the $62 million project is part of the $72 million Apia Port Upgrading Project, which is expected to be completed in 2026.
Funding for this project was approved by the ESSAP Board of Directors in August 2020.
The project aims to improve the efficiency, safety and environmental sustainability of Apia Harbour, a vital infrastructure for the Samoan economy.
In October 2022, China Vision Technology Co., Ltd. was signed to provide MCR with the most advanced container X-ray scanners.
“Despite these delays, we are satisfied with the installation structure of the container X-ray scanners and the near-completion of the inspection facilities,” Tuala said.
The ESSAP project also hired a radiation expert to train MCR staff in the use, data evaluation, safety management and maintenance of container X-ray scanners.
The scanner was officially opened by the Acting Prime Minister and Customs Minister Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio.
Radiation experts are training MCR staff on the use, data evaluation, safety management and maintenance of container X-ray scanners.
The public’s persistent concerns have finally been addressed
The government and the Customs Department have been publicly criticized by lawmakers, religious leaders and the private sector for failing to install X-ray scanners in a timely manner.
“The project is much anticipated, with MPs and the public concerned about the threat posed by drugs, guns and contraband flowing into the country,” Tuala said.
The procurement of the X-ray scanner has been an ongoing project since the 2021 general election and has been going on for several years as the ministry tried to secure funding to procure the machine.
“This move represents the government’s response to the nation’s concerns over the growing challenge of illicit trade, with the utmost commitment to promoting safety and freedom and placing the utmost importance on our security,” Tuala said.
He said maintaining the safety and prosperity of the Samoan people remained the MCR’s sole priority as controller of customs and border security.
“This project signifies our commitment to achieving our vision and mission and is also a milestone for our department and the country as it marks the debut of these items in our order-to-order and custom-made operations,” he said.
The Customs K9 Police Dog Unit will also inspect any suspicious goods found in the inspection area.
At the end of the press conference, a live demonstration of the entire use process of the container X-ray scanner, from scanning a container to physically inspecting all the goods in the container, was presented.
If suspicious items are found in the data through the scanning process, the container will be moved to the inspection area where the police will check the suspicious items. If there are suspicious items such as drugs in the container, the police dog team will also be stationed here.
Despite having state-of-the-art machines and equipment, the demonstration still encountered problems with internet connectivity from the container X-ray scanner to the inspection facility, where guests were seated to watch the live demonstration in progress.
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