ADB Approves $111M Alaoa Multipurpose Dam Project to Tackle Climate Adaptation in Samoa

The Alaoa Multipurpose Dam Project is a comprehensive initiative supported by a nearly $100 million grant from ADB’s Asian Development Fund (ADF), which assists the poorest and most vulnerable countries.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $111 million project aimed at addressing Samoa's pressing climate adaptation challenges, including flood risk management, sustainable water supply, and renewable energy security.

Project Overview

The Alaoa Multipurpose Dam Project is a comprehensive initiative supported by a nearly $100 million grant from ADB’s Asian Development Fund (ADF), which assists the poorest and most vulnerable countries. The Ireland Trust Fund for Building Climate Change and Disaster Resilience in Small Island Developing States will contribute $400,000, while the Government of Samoa will provide over $11 million.

Key Objectives

Flood Risk Management: Construction of the multipurpose dam will significantly reduce flood risks in Apia, Samoa's capital.

Sustainable Water Supply: The project will ensure a reliable and sustainable source of water for the region.

Renewable Energy Security: A run-of-river small hydropower plant will be established to decrease Samoa’s dependency on imported fossil fuels for power generation.

Project Features

Infrastructure Design: The project includes robust climate and disaster-resilient features, developed through extensive assessments and technical analyses.

Biodiversity Conservation: A noteworthy component is the creation of an innovative biodiversity offset trust fund, aimed at ensuring no net loss of biodiversity and providing sustainable financing for biodiversity protection and enhancement.

Technical Review: To ensure dam safety, ADB has engaged an independent panel of experts for an additional robust technical review.

Stakeholder Engagement

Close consultations with stakeholders, including affected villages, government agencies, civil society organizations, and non-governmental organizations, were integral to the project's preparation. Over 60 extensive consultations and meetings were conducted during the five-year preparation period, except during the pandemic.

Statements from ADB

"ADB is grateful for the partnership with the Government of Samoa in preparing this project. Extensive assessments and technical analyses were undertaken to ensure that the infrastructure design will incorporate robust climate and disaster-resilient features," said Leah Gutierrez, ADB Director General for the Pacific.

"A noteworthy component of this project is the establishment of an innovative biodiversity offset trust fund. This will ensure no net loss of biodiversity to Samoa’s natural environment. The fund will also ensure sustainable financing for biodiversity protection and enhancement,” she added.

 

The Alaoa Multipurpose Dam Project represents a significant step towards addressing Samoa's climate adaptation challenges. By integrating flood risk management, sustainable water supply, and renewable energy security, the project aims to enhance resilience and sustainability for the people of Samoa. The involvement of multiple stakeholders and extensive consultations underscore the project's commitment to inclusivity and environmental stewardship.