Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — McConnell Dowell has answered Tafuna High School’s request for help in repairing the road in front of their office. THS principal Tutuila Nauer Togilau had asked Faipule Fagaima Larry Sanitoa for his support after a visit from the Department of Health had identified the condition of the roads around its campus as an area that needed to be addressed.

Ms. Togilau, in her request to Fagaima, via email, noted that the same concern was brought to the Department of Public Works last year, but unfortunately no action was taken.

She asked, “In the meantime, as a temporary solution, is there any possibility of having a backhoe assist with leveling out the road in front of the office and around the buildings until a more permanent solution can be considered?

“Registration for the new school year is currently starting, and we also have our Summer Program taking place at this time. With students, parents, and families coming onto campus, we have already received comments and concerns from parents regarding the condition of the road.”

As a result, Fagaima reached out to the new General Manager of McConnell Dowell- American Samoa, Nick Reid, for the temporary fix, as “while this is a shovel-ready project, it is currently on hold pending funding in the new fiscal year.”

Samoa News understands ARPA funds for a permanent fix were re-directed, leaving the project cancelled.

Mr. Reid responded that there is “a long legacy and reputation” for him to live up to, and that he was “looking forward to the challenge, representing McConnell Dowell, and building on our legacy in American Samoa.”

Replying, Fagaima thanked McConnell Dowell for its ongoing support of community needs, “especially regarding our schools.”

THS principal Togilau expressed her gratitude to both men, for all their help and support with addressing the road issue in front of the office.

“Thank you so much for listening, responding, and accepting our request. We truly appreciate you taking the time to assist us with this concern. I understand that this may not be the permanent solution as we continue to work toward something more long-term, but this immediate support has made a great difference for our school community. Hopefully soon we will have a long term solution.”