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Faipule concerned over pricy Rapiscan sitting idle on wharf

An actual Rapiscan image. [photo: Rapiscan website]
joyetter@samoanews.com

The Rapiscan for cargo and vehicle inspection is not yet operational; this is according to the Chief of Customs, Moetulu’i Fuiava. Moetulu’i was responding to Samoa News questions following concerns raised by Rep Faimealelei Anthony Allen during the House regular session Tuesday — seeing that it was last year October that the governor had informed the Speaker and the President of the Senate he was signing the bill.

Faimealelei pointed out that the governor stated in his letter that the scans “will enhance the Customs ability to quickly search incoming cargo, we expect to be able to better secure our borders, provide more efficient service to our importers, and improve customs revenue collection.”

The lawmaker further pointed out that the word “collection is the key to revenue” yet the Rapiscan has been sitting on the wharf idle for some time and they are losing money.

The lawmaker said he was informed the problem has to do with the conversion of the power in order for the scan to be operational however that has not happened.

He also noted that this Rapiscan has exceptional threat detection capabilities.

Faimealelei called on Vice Speaker Fetu Fetui Jr (who headed the session) to look into this matter, as this machine costs a lot of money, the equipment has arrived but it’s not operational.

Fetu took note of the issue and asked the Port Administration and Transportation Committee chair, Kitara Vaiau, to look into this matter and report back to the Fono as to why this has occurred.

Another concern Faimealelei raised during the session is of the radiation from the Rapiscan and its possible affect on members of the public, as well as the Customs Agents, who work along side this machine.

The Chief Customs told Samoa News that the issue with the power has already been dealt with; however there is one more parts that they are waiting on to arrive and then the machine will be up and running.

According to Moetulu’i, the ‘rapi’-scans of cargo and vehicle inspection systems are proven in challenging applications at seaports and border crossings.

He explained that the superior images of the machine would assist to combat smuggling and find hidden contraband, including explosives, weapons, narcotics and weapons — and that is the part they are waiting on, to assist in enhancing the images.

The Customs Chief Officer told Samoa News that the scan was ordered from Europe and when it arrived there was a part missing and that’s why there is the delay.

He also said they anticipate the machine will be up and running by mid February this year.

Meanwhile he said the other scans have been operational at the airport for some time now. There are a total of 4 scanners, which include the idle Rapiscan, 2 stationary scans — one at the airport- Customs, the other at the Post Office — and a mobile one that is used to go out to the stores when necessary — it’s inside a van.