All EOB offices must vacate the premises by Sept 30th

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — All government offices housed in the Executive Office Building (EOB) in Utulei are required to vacate the premises by September 30, 2025, to ensure that renovations can proceed without any interruptions.

Administrative Services Director Tanya Aab confirmed this directive during their budget hearing held last Friday. Aab revealed that, in March, the government secured a substantial allocation of $39.5 million specifically designated for the comprehensive renovation of the aging EOB, which has long been in need of repairs.

Aab highlighted that the main priority is the efficient relocation of all offices located within the EOB. 

“There are currently over 300 government employees stationed in the EOB, representing nine distinct departments, each of which contains at least four to six divisions,” she elaborated, underscoring the complexity of the move.

She also announced that they are working closely with the Director of the Department of Youth and Women’s Affairs to repurpose an additional building in Pago Pago for this transition.

This relocation strategy will encompass critical offices, including those for Immigration, Revenue, Certificates of Identity (for travel), and disbursement services.

Furthermore, the Director confirmed that two contractors are on board, actively engaged in renovating the newly designated offices to ensure they are fully functional for each division.

This initiative is aimed at enhancing our capacity to serve the public more effectively. “While we are making strides with several other related projects, my primary target is to have everyone out of the EOB by the end of this month. I have scheduled the 26th as the date to begin relocating the remaining staff,” Aab said.

According to Aab, her department is covering costs associated with the relocation as well as some lease agreements; however, each respective department and agency is responsible for managing its own utility expenses.

Additionally, Aab confirmed that there are currently two contractors engaged in constructing office spaces within the Department of Youth and Women’s Affairs (DYWA) in Pago Pago, working diligently to support this transition.