Moata’a village signs contract

By Ilia L. Likou 10 March 2018, 12:00AM

The village of Moata’a will soon enjoy a new walkway that links the coastal and inland sides of the village.

It follows an agreement between the Moata’a Village Council and All Electrical and Construction Limited, promising the construction of a $116,380 walkway.

The agreement was signed yesterday. Construction is scheduled to begin on 19 March 2018 and is expected to be completed on 30 April 2018. 

The village applied for funding in 2017 and was granted US$50,000 ($128,176) for the Moata’a Mangrove Ecosystem Management Planning and Sustainable Community Walkway Project.

The total length of the walkway is 190.5 meters with a width of 1.3 meters and will be elevated approximately 0.92 meters above the existing structure. 

High Chief of Moata’a, Asi Tuiataga Blakelock, signed the agreement on behalf of the village and assured the contractor of the support of Moata’a in the works. 

Asi explained the walkway has been in the pipeline for a long time because of the vulnerability of the community to rising sea level. 

He is thankful to God for the opportunity that was offered through U.N.D.P. Global Environment Facility/Small Grants Programme.

Speaking to the Sunday Samoan, Moata’a Member of Parliament, Lenatai Victor Tamapua shared the same excitement about the project.

“It’s been ages since our village has been using this walkway to go to the other side of the village,” said Lenata’i. “We also have many requests for this pedestrian walkway and we would like to thank this programme and everyone for their support.”

“To our whole village, we just can’t wait to see the completion of this project.”

He further states it will help a lot of families, especially the elderly, children, women and disabled who use the pathway on a daily basis.

The project will also produce an updated Biodiversity Audit of the mangroves and Mangrove Management Plan that will be enforced by the Village Council in order to protect the wetland from cutting of mangroves, littering, water pollution from wastewater and other hazardous substances, reclamation and unsustainable fishing practices.

The design, planning, supervision and project management are undertaken by Isikuki Punivalu and Associates Limited and funded under the Civil Society Support Program Samoa office. 

The Special Development Committee is made up of professionals employed in the public and private sectors and residents of the village.  

By Ilia L. Likou 10 March 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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