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Admin Services gives NGOs in Tafuna Housing a break

The Lolo and Lemanu Administration is giving non-profit organizations occupying government housing in the Tafuna housing area another six months before they will be required to vacate. In a letter sent last month to the NGO occupants, Director of Administrative Services, Malemo Tausaga stated, “A year of studies and assessments has therefore determined that certain changes were absolutely necessary in order to remedy the territory’s socio economic inequalities.”

 

Calls to the director to clarify what he meant in regards to evicting the NGOs “to remedy the territory’s socio economic inequalities” were not answered at press time.

 

It was in February this year that Malemo first sent out the message to all NGOs that the government was evicting them from government housing — found on Tasi, Lua, Tolu, Fa and Lima streets, located across from the Pala Lagoon park, tennis courts and Lions Park areas. The eviction date was originally set for June 2014.

 

He pointed out at the time that ASG housing is only to be used for contract workers, not for NGOs. When asked if the governor approved of evicting the NGOs, Malemo would only say the evictions were “well within his authority” as the Administrative Services Director, and he wanted to make available the government housing for ASG contract workers.

 

“The NGOs can call whomever, appeal to anyone, but the bottom line is — I’m doing my job,” he said.

 

Malemo, in his recent letter, dated May 19, explains that among the ‘certain changes’ deemed absolutely necessary to remedy the Territory’s socio-economic inequalities “is a plan for the Tafuna Housing area, where we [ASG] have decided to relinquish a portion of ASG government housing services in order to strengthen an emerging private housing market.

 

“Therefore we find it expedient to implement our objectives,” he stated.

 

The director of Administrative Services further pointed out the government’s plans for the Tafuna Housing area resulted in the first notice to vacate from ASG to the ‘Non-Profit Residents’ — giving them “a period of six (6) months to find alternative lodgings for their activities.”

 

He notes, “However, as a result of several organizations pleading for additional time, ASG deliberated the matter and consented to an additional grace period.

 

“This is to therefore notify that you will have until December 31, 2014 to vacate the premises so that ASG’s remedial plans can begin,” Malemo said.

 

Malemo writes to the NGOs occupying ASG Tafuna Housing, “On behalf of the governor and people of American Samoa, please allow me to again acknowledge and express our profound appreciation for your charitable services to the less fortunate members of our society. Your invaluable services humble us and make the conveyance of the urgent Executive decision to vacate the ASG Tafuna Housing Units difficult and contrary to your intrinsic community value.”

 

He continues, “Nevertheless, as you know, the government has resolved to accelerate the development of the social and economic landscape in order to cultivate comprehensive solutions for all American Samoans, now and in the future.”

 

The reason for Malemo’s letter is noted as, “Re: Reprioritization of Tafuna Housing lands” and is cc’d to both Governor Lolo M. Moliga and Lt. Gov. Lemanu P. Mauga.