Upolu

Chaos at Salelologa Wharf as passengers rush to return to Upolu after holiday

According to one of the passengers, Kerstin Ofisa, the Lady Naomi which was supposed to depart Salelologa wharf in the early hours of Monday was cancelled due to unforeseen reasons, leaving the smaller ship, Samoa Express as the only option for the passengers at the wharf.

However, some people who waited for hours and employees desperate to return to Upolu for their first day back to work refused to cooperate when the crew advised them to be divided into a smaller number so that they can board the Samoa Express.

Upolu Development Centre programme kicks off

Boys and girls from the U-12, U-14 and U-16 age groups were selected from clubs who were involved in the FFS Youth Competition earlier this year. 

They will participate in match training, technical and goal keeping sessions over the seven-week programme.  

FFS Upolu East Technical Development Manager Leti Tamasese said the programme helps develop players, with an eye to progressing them into national team systems in future years.  

Project to improve water quality in Upolu and Savai’I villages

The Japan International Corporation Agency in Samoa and Samoa Water Authority signed an agreement this week that will see villages access clean drinking water.

The project is titled “Capacity Enhancement Project for Samoa Water Authority in Cooperation with Okinawa” to phase 2.”

JICA Samoa said the CEPSO phase 2 of the project will specifically contribute to the improvement of water quality in identified villages from both Upolu and Savaii.

“The project aims at improving the two Water Supply Schemes (W.S.S.), namely Fuluasou EU, Upolu and Palauli, Savaii.”

Water restored to affected areas in Samoa

The authority took the “All hands on deck” approach over the weekend to ensure services were restored to consumers.

The authority said most affected areas of Upolu are now back online after the repairs were done last night.

SWA is performing verification follow up phone calls to their customers who called in for assistance to ensure that their issues have been addressed.

The water supply infrastructures that sustained major damages were Fulusou Network, Alaoa Network and Tafitoala Netwwork.

Upolu registers first female candidate for Samoa’s election

Maugaoalii was seen at the NPF plaza registration centre in Upolu, formalising her candidacy for the ruling Human Rights Protection Party

She had earlier announced her intentions to run against Samoa’s Minister of Justice and Courts Administration (MJCA), Afioga Faaolesa Katopau Ainu’u for the village of Apia, under Vaimauga IV.

Maugaoalii filed a lawsuit against the National University of Samoa earlier this year for wrongful dismissal when the NUS had dissolved the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Corporate Services position.

Samoa Airways announce special airfare rates between Upolu and Savaii

Flights between Faleolo and Maota in Salelologa had been previously announced to begin today (Friday).

However, according the airline has taken to social media to announce that the services will now start on 11 September 2020.

Travellers should note, however, that the $89 tala one-way fare is for travel and bookings until 8 October or until seats run out.

Homes and graves to be relocated to make way for airport in Samoa

The Samoa Observer newspaper reported a senior matai, Tolu Iona Maiava, said the village had discussed the request and what they have decided would stand.

"This village has come together in terms of this project as we have discussed this in the village council and made a unanimous decision, as that is how things are done in Ti'avea," Tolu said.

He said whoever owned land affected by the project works could not oppose further developments.

Samoans grateful for easing of restrictions on inter-island ferry services

50 year-old Sione Hanunga said he was happy to be finally returning to his home in Savaii.

“I was so happy when I heard about the boat were allowed to go to Savaii, it is my chance of going back home. I came to Upolu to sell my crops and was stuck here. So I stayed with my daughter and her family, now I am able to go back to my home, I am so happy.”

Second year university student, Lorraine Tufele also shared the same experience.

Samoa Airways to begin new service between Upolu and Savai'i

As Polynesian Airlines, the Samoan carrier used to fly from Fagalii to Maota airports as well as Asau but the service was discontinued in the late 1990's.

At one time, there were also direct flights from American Samoa to Savai'i.

According to a press statement, the new flights aim to develop the tourism market on Savai'i.

Samoa Airways chief executive, Tupuivao Seiuli Alvin Tuala, said that it was a good time to make new routes and offer more options to their customers.

Samoa's new airport to be built on swampland

Fagali'i Airport would also continue to be used, but because of its close location to neighbouring American Samoa, Ti'avea would be in operation during bad weather, said Minister for Works, Transport and Infrastructure Papali'i Niko Lee Hang.

The Minister also revealed the land being used was swampland, which would need to be reclaimed, Samoa Observer reported.

In May, a memorandum of agreement and a deed of settlement was signed between the Government and families who owned the land.