LADY NAOMI AND INTERSAMOA TRAVEL

The last trip for the Lady Naomi is Wednesday, August 5, when it arrives at 8:30a.m. and departs later in the afternoon at 4 p.m.

A representative from Polynesian Shipping Services told Samoa News last Friday that Wednesday’s trip will be the last time both passengers and cargo will be transported on the vessel to and from Samoa.

In place of the Lady Naomi, the Fotu o Samoa will be arriving this Thursday, August 6 and will take over the Lady Naomi’s usual weekly trips between the two Samoas.

However, the Fotu o Samoa trips will be for cargo only, no passengers.

It is unknown how long it will be until the Lady Naomi returns to its regular schedule. The vessel had only resumed weekly services last week after it was out for nearly three weeks. Meanwhile, numerous travelers have contacted Samoa News voicing their complaints about the limited flights between the two Samoas. One family reported being ‘stuck’ in Apia for three days last week.

More information can be obtained by calling Polynesian Shipping Services at 633-1211.

TAUSANI AWAITS FAA APPROVAL

President of Tausani Airlines, Filifaatali Mika Fuiava said regular flights to and from the Manu’a Islands would be a reality once the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants them a commercial license.

“It shouldn’t be that long now,” Filifaatali told Samoa News last week.

For now, he added, the airline will continue to serve the residents of the Manu’a Islands during emergency situations, when medivacs are deemed necessary.

During the recent Manu’a Cession Day celebrations, the Tausani played a major role in getting people to and from the Motusa to take part in the festivities.

The Tausani plane is the former government owned Segaula aircraft. Filifaatali said they currently employ seven people.

EAST SIDE ROAD PROJECT NEARLY COMPLETE

“Thank you Governor Lolo and McConnell Dowell for the big difference in the road conditions in the east side.” This is the sentiment being echoed by numerous motorists who live in villages spread across the far eastern district of Tutuila.

The East side road project is progressing, with an expected completion date of Wednesday, Aug. 5.

The yellow stripe in the middle of the road, which divides the two lanes, has been drawn for areas beginning from Visa Point in Laulii all the way to Alega. Late last week, Samoa News visited the job site and discovered that asphalt was being laid in the Alega area, heading to $2 Beach in Avaio.

The recent weather conditions are to blame for the delay in completely the work, which encompasses the stretch of main road between Visa and Fagaitua, under the 3R (restore, rehabilitate, resurface) program. Once completed, the 3R project will move to the west side, where work will begin from Futiga to Leone on Monday, August 10.

VIKINGS DEPART FOR HAWAII

A total of 43 players and seven members of the coaching staff for the reigning ASHSAA football champions, the Faga’itua Vikings departed the territory last Friday evening for the Aloha State.

The Tafuna Airport was packed with supporters, parents and friends who came out to wish the team well as they head to Hawaii to play three games against the schools there.

Earlier in the day, the group carried out one last fundraising effort in Aua where the players and their parents were on hand to ‘wave’ at passing motorists who donated money and offered words of encouragement.

Head Coach Suaese Pooch Taase said they reached their fundraising goal thanks to the strong support of the community, the parents, as well as Faga’itua alumni both here and off island.

The Vikings are set to play against Mililani, Campbell, and St. Louis High Schools before they head back to the territory later this month.

DOH AFTER HOURS

In response to the ongoing increase in the number of suspected dengue fever cases, the Department of Health’s Tafuna Clinic will be open after hours to serve those in need of medical assistance.

Everyone stopping by to take advantage of the service is reminded to bring with them proper identification and their hospital cards.

The clinic will be open from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. to serve the general public, not just those living in the western district villages,

The after-hours clinic will remain open until further notice.

Last week, a team from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who arrived in the territory to assist with the recent dengue fever outbreak departed the territory after conducting outreach services and informative workshops for local health care providers.  As of last week, there were four confirmed dengue fever deaths in the territory.

WEATHER UPDATE

As of yesterday at noon, a high surf warning was still in effect for east and south facing shores. This is in addition to a small craft advisory.

Local meteorologist Carol Maafala-Baqui told Samoa News that a small stream flood advisory was to remain in effect until 1 p.m. yesterday.

For the past week, the territory has experienced lots of rain accompanied by strong winds and high waves.  Residents living near the shoreline have reported seeing huge waves bringing trash and debris o to the main road and as far as their front yards.

Maafala-Baqui said yesterday that local residents should expect fresh and strong tradewinds with higher gusts at times, and there will be more rain expected to subside later tonight.

In the meantime, everyone is also reminded that with the recent heavy rainfall, the soil has become drenched and therefore, the possibility of landslides is higher than usual.

MANUMALO WELCOMES NEW TEACHERS

A special church service was held yesterday at Manumalo Baptist Church in Malaeimi for returning and new teachers. Last week, the school board and teachers engaged in morning devotions and workshops in preparation for the new school year, which starts next Monday, August 10.

Yesterday’s special church service kicks off one more week of workshops that will start today and end Friday.  For the new school year, the Home of the Flames is expecting an enrollment of over 600 students from K-3 all the way up to high school.

Registration is still open for the new school year. More information can be obtained by calling 699-9512.