Ads by Google Ads by Google

Afoa opposing site for Starkist cold storage

Afoa L. Su’esu’e Lutu has sent a letter, dated Jan. 18, 2012 to Gov. Togiola Tulafono opposing “the proposal to construct a cold storage on the main dock in Fagatogo,” on behalf of his family and his village(s) — Utulei and Fagatogo. It was copied to Brett Butler, Starkist Samoa General Manager and Taeaoafua Meki Solomona, Starkist Samoa Quality Manager.

There has been no official word from the government as to when the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the government and the company, last year December, will be executed.

The MOU notes the intent of the two sides to enter into a lease agreement for a parcel of land immediately adjacent to the Port Administration building at the Fagatogo dock for a cold storage facility — the parcel of land lies directly between the main Port Admin building and the inter-island dock.

Samoa News understands the land lease is happening ‘now’, with the lease expected to be signed in the coming week. While no details of the lease have been confirmed, Samoa News has been told that it will probably be for less than 10 years, with an option for renewal, and therefore by-pass any need for Fono approval of the lease.

Other than Sen. Lualemaga Faoa, who has voiced opposition to the site, there has been no discussion in current session, or outside, heard from any of the lawmakers about the issue.

Afoa’s letter is the first known ‘public’ document of opposition to the cold storage facility. Click on attachment to download the full copy of Afoa’s letter.