MWTI Hosts Korean Delegation for Smart Mobility Rollout

Everisto Zhuwao

The Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure (MWTI) has welcomed a high-level delegation from the Republic of Korea to advance the Sustainable Smart Mobility Project aimed at strengthening Samoa’s resilience to climate and transport challenges.

The visit follows the Korean Ambassador’s official trip to Samoa in early November last year, during which discussions were initiated to enhance cooperation in smart mobility and innovative infrastructure solutions.

The delegation was formally received on Monday, 23 February, by MWTI Chief Executive Officer Afioga Fui Tupai Mau Simanu and Assistant Chief Executive Officer for the Land Transport Division, Maselusi Amiatu. Officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), the Electric Power Corporation (EPC), and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) were also in attendance.

The Korean delegation comprised representatives from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the Korean Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, and implementing firm Studio Galilei.

Following the official welcome, the delegation held consultative meetings with MNRE, EPC, and MCIT before conducting site visits to flood-prone areas earmarked for the installation of smart monitoring systems. A key component of the project includes the deployment of flood detection devices integrated with CCTV systems to improve early warning capabilities and strengthen emergency response during extreme weather events.

MWTI and the Korean team conducted two days of field inspections beginning Monday afternoon and concluding on Tuesday, 24 February. The inspections focused on assessing the viability and sustainability of proposed installation sites to ensure effective implementation of the smart mobility interventions.

The visit concluded on Tuesday afternoon with a debriefing session and a ceremonial exchange of gifts between MWTI and the Korean delegation, marking a significant step forward in bilateral cooperation. Officials expressed optimism that the partnership will contribute to safer, smarter, and more resilient infrastructure development across Samoa.