Residents of Ma'agao are calling for authorities to investigate after a large pile of rubbish was dumped beside the village's main road, raising concerns about public health, the environment and the village's image.
When the Samoa Observer visited the site, bags of household waste, plastic bottles, food containers and other rubbish were scattered along the roadside. Burnt grass and signs of recent burning were also visible.
Some of the rubbish appeared to have been there for several days, while freshly dumped waste suggested the area continues to be used as an illegal dumping site.
Resident Donald Alofa said he was disappointed by the growing rubbish pile along a road regularly used by motorists, schoolchildren and pedestrians.
"It is sad because this road is one of the first things people see when they enter our village," he said.
