Recent bad weather in Savai‘i has renewed calls in parliament for urgent work on seawalls and roads along the North Coast, after seawater reportedly flowed onto the main road and affected public access on Monday.
The issue was raised during parliament’s sittings on Wednesday and continued into Thursday, with several members of parliament for Savai‘i constituencies highlighting the need for stronger coastal protection and improved road infrastructure.
The discussion also revealed some uncertainty over the status of road works, after Alataua i Sisifo MP and Associate Minister for the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Taituave Valoaga Taatiti, told his district not to worry because the work was “in line for tender”.
However, Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt corrected him, saying the project was already on tender and that the government was working on it after it had been approved by the cabinet.
Member of Parliament for Falealupo, Aeau Tima Leavaiseeta, and Fa‘asaleleaga No. 2 MP Vaaelua Senetenari Samau were among those who urged the government to look closely at the seawall and road problems affecting communities in Savai‘i.
