3.3 Samoa Additional Service Providers Overview Samoa is generally well-placed to provide services that may be required by agencies. All normal facilities and supplies are readily available and there are plenty of local, skilled operators, services and tradespeople. Due to a lack of manufacturing capacity in country, if very large numbers of particular items (e. g. tents, small generators) are required, it should be noted that importation would be required, generally from Australia (10-13 days) or New Zealand (5-7 days) by sea. For more information on company contact details, please see the following link: 4.8 Additional Service Provision Contact List Accommodation Due to its attraction as a tourist destination, there is an abundance of accommodation options in Samoa ranging from 4-star hotels to bungalow-style beach accommodation. In the advent of a humanitarian crisis, there is unlikely to be any tourist demand for these beds. There are sufficient accommodation options available that meet the minimum-security options for agencies. Electricity and Power Voltage in Samoa is 240V. The Electric Power Corporation (EPC) is a state-owned enterprise, established under the Electric Power Corporation Act 1980 to generate, transmit, distribute and sell electricity throughout Samoa. The utility operates as a separate entity and is defined as a public trading body under the Public Bodies Act (2001), with the principal objective of operating as a commercial business. The corporation now provides power to 98 per cent of the population of Samoa. EPC’s power system is comprised of a grid on each of Upolu and Savai’i islands, which together account for nearly all energy sales, and small stand-alone solar and diesel generation schemes on two isolated islands. EPC is governed by a board of directors that is responsible to the Minister of Public Enterprises. The main source of power is from the National Grid; however, many hotels and businesses have standby generators in place, leftover from several years ago when supply from the grid was erratic. Very few interruptions to supply are experienced now, (potentially once or twice a year for 1-2 hours), and are generally a result of car accidents bringing down roadside supply lines or occasional fuel blocks to diesel generators at the grid. The country has sufficient power generation to supply the entire country at all times, and supply extends to all but the most rural areas (approximately 2% of households are without National Grid supplied power and EPC is working towards reaching these). The cost of electricity is high; this is partly a result of Samoa’s relatively high level of reliance on diesel-powered generation. Electricity and Power Summary Table (2018) Production Unit Type Installed Current Production (MWh) (Hydroelectric, Thermal, etc.) Capacity (MW) Upolo Island Diesel 23.112 76,992 Hydro 8.920 46,728 Solar 14.050 18,732 Wind .550 360 Apolima Island Diesel .018 0 Solar .240 5.448 Savai’i Island Diesel 5.4 15,168 Solar .240 144 Financial Services Samoa has all financial and economic services available such as banks, credit card unions, and accountancy companies. Most have international affiliations and are trained and qualified to standards comparable to New Zealand and Australia. Page 1 National Bank Of Samoa The National Bank of Samoa is a locally-owned and operated commercial trading bank. From its humble beginnings as a family owned and managed business in the mid ‘90’s, NBS has grown to be a major player in the Samoan banking and commercial sectors. Company Overview Company Name National Bank Of Samoa Address Level 1, ACC Building, Apia. Samoa P O Box 3047L Apia. Samoa lu Level 1 ACC Building, Apia Available? Comments (max / min transfer or exchange amounts, etc.) Has IBAN, BIC, or SWIFT number? Yes SWIFT Code NBSLWSWS Provides currency exchange? Yes Will initiate / receive wire transfers? Yes Provides Loan / Credit services? Yes Other Comments or Key Information 8 branches and 4 agencies throughout Samoa Corporate & Commercial, Small Business, Markets/International Trade Services, Priority Banking, Retail Other Locations Region(s) Service Location(s) Based in Apia BANK SOUTH PACIFIC (BSP) BSP operates in many countries throughout the South Pacific. BSP has the largest branch network in Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu, with branches and sub-branches in cities, towns, and remote rural areas throughout these countries. Their branch network is complemented by electronic banking networks wherever they operate. BSP also has three 100% owned subsidiaries; BSP Capital Ltd - stockbroking and funds management in PNG; BSP Finance - specialist Asset Finance company in Fiji and PNG, and BSP Life - specialist Life Insurance company in Fiji. Company Overview Company Name Bank South Pacific (BSP) Address Beach Road Apia Samoa Phone: (685) 66100 Email: [email protected] Available? Comments (max / min transfer or exchange amounts, etc.) Has IBAN, BIC, or SWIFT number? Yes BSP Swift Code: BOSPWSWS Page 2 Provides currency exchange? Yes Will initiate / receive wire transfers? Yes Provides Loan / Credit services? Yes Other Comments or Key Information Corporate & Commercial, Small Business, Markets/International Trade Services, Priority Banking, Retail Other Locations Region(s) Service Location(s) Branches and a/or agencies and ATM’s throughout the country ANZ BANK ANZ Bank (Samoa) Limited ("ANZ Samoa") was first established in Samoa in 1990, then trading as Bank of Western Samoa. It is an international bank. It is represented by two full branches in Apia and Vaitele, one in Savai’i and one Airport Agency at Faleolo International Airport. Their staff can assist both local and foreign customers with a comprehensive range of personal and commercial banking requirements. Company Overview Company Name ANZ Bank Address ANZ Bank (Samoa) Limited Beach Road P.O. Box L1855 Apia Samoa Available? Comments (max / min transfer or exchange amounts, etc.) Has IBAN, BIC, or SWIFT number? Yes SWIFT code: ANZBWSWW Provides currency exchange? Yes Will initiate / receive wire transfers? Yes Provides Loan / Credit services? Yes Other Comments or Key Information 3 Branches, 1 agency, 18 ATM’s Corporate & Commercial, Small Business, Markets/International Trade Services, Priority Banking, Retail Other Locations Region(s) Service Location(s) Branches and a/or agencies and ATMs throughout the country Clearing and Forwarding Agents There are a number of clearing and forwarding agents based in Apia; most have offices or agencies close to the main port and the international airport. They are reliable and efficient with a number acting as agents for international companies such as UPS and DHL. Page 3 Handling Equipment There is abundant freight handling equipment for lease, or operated by private contractors. Equipment is readily available and maintained in good condition. There are plenty of skilled operators. There are pallets available if required, as many goods are imported using them. Postal and Courier Services There are international courier services (DHL, UPS, FEDEX) operating in Samoa, principally based in Apia. They operate to international standards of reliability. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology is responsible for the government-run postal service, Samoa Post, which provides efficient domestic and international parcel and letter delivery through 10 sub offices on the 2 main islands. Printing and Publishing There are a number of commercial printing and publishing services available in Apia with up-to-date technology for large or small printing work, including brochures and booklets, signs, posters and banners. They are easily accessible and employ capable technicians. Taxi Companies There are many taxi companies and taxis in Samoa. They are in good condition, safe, plentiful and easy to hail on the street, and pricing is competitive. It pays to settle on a fare before embarking on a trip as they are not metered. Vehicle Rental There are a number of rental car companies offering quality late model cars and vans for hire. There is generally ample supply of vehicles and an organization should be able to meet its initial needs through renting. Waste Management and Disposal Services Domestic waste is collected curbside using platforms or rubbish stands and wheelie bins. Commercial waste is picked up from collection areas. The government contracts out this service to the private sector. There is a special collection called Bulky Collection which includes different heavy wastes and recyclable materials. Aluminium cans are collected for recycling, however most other materials go to landfill. Waste Disposal – Non-Hazardous There is 100 acres set aside on the outskirts of Apia for waste landfill. The landfill is managed; all vehicles go over a weighbridge and are charged for dumping. Waste is compacted and covered on a daily basis. Basel and Waigani Convention processes are implemented. On the island of Savai’i there is a landfill, and while not managed on a daily basis, there is a contractor using a compactor machine that visits it regularly to ensure waste is compacted and covered. Waste disposal – Hazardous Hazardous wastes are not allowed to dispose in the landfill. Companies and organisations are advised to store their hazardous wastes and seek disposal companies overseas for disposal. Basel and Waigani Convention processes are implemented through trans-boundary movement of wastes. Used oil is not allowed to be disposed of at the landfill. Recycling companies are now planning to collect used oil to be shipped overseas. Major suppliers and consumers of used oil (eg; EPC, PPS) are storing their used oil to be shipped overseas. Again, Basel and Waigani Convention processes are included. E-wastes for government ministries are collected and stored in the government premises at Vaimea. Household e-wastes (bulky electrical wastes are collected through bulky waste collection), valuable items will be taken by recycling companies, others go to the specific e-waste cell at the landfill.