Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga has made a recommendation for all ASG entities to have an office in Manu’a, including offices for the Legislature and Congresswoman Aumua Amata.

Last Thursday, the governor along with other VIPs from Tutuila attended the official dedication and opening of the “Afioga Misaalefua Tausulu Palega Executive Office Building” on Ofu Island, next to the Ofu airport.

In his remarks at the opening of the Ofu building, Lolo says it would be very good to have all ASG entities have offices — including the other two branches of government be represented in both Ofu and Ta’u islands.

Lolo says he has recommended to Public Works director Faleosina Voigt to build a structure in Manu’a to house the office of Congresswoman Aumua Amata, to make it easy for her when visiting the island group because it’s not easy to achieve the work that needs to be done without an office. 

Lolo’s statement prompted applause from the audience, which included the Congresswoman’s chief of staff for her District Office in Fagatogo, Pulu Ae Ae Jr.

Samoa News notes that prior to last month’s 2017 Flag Day, the Congresswoman held town hall meetings in Manu’a to hear from Manu’a residents as well as share with them developments in Congress for American Samoa.

During his remarks, Lolo said it’s also important to have offices for the other branches of government in Manu’a — for example, the Legislature.

Lolo says that the importance of these developments, such as having offices in Manu’a, will allow for easier contact by representatives and officials from all sectors of government to look at ways for improvements, as well as for Manu’a residents to have a place to visit with things they want to share with their lawmakers.

Lolo said the establishment of the EOB in Ofu that started in 2014 is the government’s response to questions as to where the government is spending money for economic development.

Since taking office in 2013, Lolo made a promise to set up ASG offices on both Ofu and Ta’u islands. The EOB on Ta’u Island was dedicated more than a year ago.

Sen. Misaalefua J. Hudson, who was Manu’a District Governor when the Lolo Administration took office, was emotional when expressing appreciation to what the administration has done for Manu’a.

Misaalefua says that the governor has bought in a new vessel for Manu’a, the multi million MV Manu’atele, has dedicated a new solar power park for Ofu, which was also commissioned last Thursday — and now the official opening of the new ASG executive office on Ofu serving the villages of Ofu, Olosega and Sili.

Current Manu’a District Governor, Laolagi F.S. Vaeao also expressed appreciation to the administration for the developments for Manu’a; and supported the governor’s recommendation for all other ASG offices including the other two branches of government to open offices in Manu’a, including one for the Congresswoman.

Secretary of Samoan Affairs, Mauga T. Asuega was also supportive of the governor’s recommendation saying whatever benefits are received by residents of Tutuila, should also be received by residents of Manu’a.  He pointed out that there are two separate Deeds of Cession — the 1900 Deed for Tutuila and Aunu’u and the 1904 Manu’a islands with the United States.

The EOB on Ofu was funded with local revenues and constructed by DPW.