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Fono News

SENATE APPROVES 30-YEAR LEASE FOR TE’O FUAVAI & SONS

 

Senators have denied the bill for the lease proposal by ASG for government property across from the old Samoa Packing Company now leased to Te’o Fuavai and Sons, and is asking for an additional 30 years. By denying the bill — the Senate approves the lease.

 

A local statute states that lease of government property is subject to Fono approval.

 

The original lease was for nine years, 11 months and 29 days, which should be completed by April 27, 2022.

 

The new proposal is for an extension of 30 years, which will expire April 30, 2042. According to the governor’s letter to Fono leaders, these premises are exclusively to establish a fast food business and subleasing for office space. “ASG recognizes the importance of commerce in the development and improvement of the local economy,” said Governor Lolo M. Moliga at the time the lease was proposed.

 

The area of the lease is 0.217 acres, and the rental, according to the lease, is $300, which would be paid on the first of each month. The lease states Te’o cannot sublease the premises unless approved by the government, and failure to do so may constitute material breach of lease.

 

REV KALEPO VAITAOTOLU NOMINATED TO THE FINANCIAL AID BOARD

 

Another nominee was submitted to the Fono this week to sit on the American Samoa Student Financial Board and a resolution in this matter was introduced in the Senate this week.

 

In the Governor’s letter to the fono leader, it states Rev Vaitaotolu has been a dedicated public servant for the Department of Public Works and Department of Treasury. He’s also a well known respected faifeau and community leader for the CCCAS in Vaitogi, Gov. Lolo M. Moliga wrote.

 

The governor pointed out he’s confident Rev Vaitaotolu will significantly contribute to the development of educational and career opportunities for students in the territory and bring valuable experience to the financial aid board.

 

“With this appointment the student financial aid board will constitute full membership.”  The resolution was assigned to the Senate Education Committee.

 

TUALAUTA REP SEEKS REPORTS FROM DPW

 

Rep Larry Sanitoa requested through the house Public Work’s Committee for DPW Director Faleosina Voigt to present to lawmakers reports for the ongoing and pending projects and the funding source, and the list of Road projects under Road Maintenance Fund and costs and road Maintenance Plan to address ongoing problems with the territory’s drainage.

 

Furthermore, Sanitoa requested an update on DPW's plan for the main road by the Industrial/Lyons Park.

 

He said this road was to be used as an alternate route once the work started on the Airport Road. Furthermore, he sought to get hot mix to patch pot holes on roads like Fagaima, Industrial/Lyons Park and many other most traveled roads throughout the Island. The request was made earlier this month and Samoa News understands the lawmakers have yet to receive the requested reports.

 

The request was made to Chairman of the DPW Committee, Atualevao Gafatasi Afalava.

 

RESOLUTION INTRODUCED FOR DPW TO STUDY & CONSTRUCT ROADS IN WEST_

 

This week a resolution was introduced calling on the governor to direct the Director of Public Works to provide an assessment, prepare a feasibility study and immediately implement the construction of the roads, both public highways as well as village access roads, for the Leasina, Aitulagi and Tualatai Districts. It particularly further urges the director to work in conjunction with federal departments and agencies to provide relief for the poor road construction in these areas.

 

According to the resolution throughout the years, the territory has suffered major infrastructure challenges, particularly the conditions of its highway and village access roads.

 

The main roads leading to the low-lying areas of Malaeloa, continue to endure deplorable conditions, many times worse than those seen in other areas of the islands and the residents in the districts agree that during the distribution of funds for the development their roads are the forgotten paths, despite being an area frequently traveled by residents, who visit the village or use it as an alternate road to Leone village.

 

Addressed also, is the lack of sidewalks along the road, leaving villagers to walk on the road — a threat to their safety; yet Malaeloa’s mountains receive the highest recorded rainfall per year, and it’s one of the villages that often is affected by the rain runoff. The damage caused by the water flow from the runoff, including erosion of the road, is a serious concern to the residents.

 

The conditions are so poor that many cars have had to create their own paths around the damaged roads.

 

“It’s prudent for the DPW to given serious attention to the road conditions in the village of Malaeloa and it would be wise to prepare a study for a long term solution, as well as working together with federal counterparts to see that the needs of the district are met.”