Govt. urged to fix access roads

By Ilia L. Likou 26 February 2017, 12:00AM

A better road would make life easier. That is the opinion of 49-year-old, Leulu Faletoi. from the village of Faga Savai’i.

The Village Voice caught up with Leulu while on his way back home after the village fono.

So how is life in the village?

“Life in the village is great and safe for my family to live with, to be honest there are no challenges here in the village,” he said

“It’s not like Apia where people go to nightclubs, party...and that’s why we have so many problems to that side of the country, everyone lives in their own world.”

“But back here in the village, we get to spend time with our children, family every day starting from Sunday to Saturday and as a father, I prefer living in Savai’i because the village council is very strong here and also our culture and way of life are well-maintained in the village.”

“Our culture and customs are starting to fade away because of all the changes in our lives, but we still have strong cultural values and customs in the villages.”

“And we are grateful to God for providing this beautiful Samoa for us.” 

However he said ‘the only problem that we face is the condition of our access roads (auala galue)’

Like many other villages in Samoa, people of Faga rely on agriculture to assist their families financially and also for food, says Leulu.

“Families depend on agriculture for food and money, but it’s really hard for us to make our way to the Talaloa because of the bad condition of our access roads.”

“It’s very narrow and it’s in a bad condition.”

“But plantation helps with village contributions, church obligations, fa’alavelave and many others.”

 “I know that this problem doesn’t happen in just one village in Savai’i but almost cover the whole island, and we really need help.”

“We need better access roads...and if access roads are not good then it will be hard for us to make living everyday.”

He went on to say that their road (with other villages) has been fixed several times but remains the same.

“That’s the truth,” he said.

“What’s even more sad is the fact that, the government spends millions on roads for Upolu but not us here in Savai’i.”

“It doesn’t matter if we get a car to go to the Talaloa, the car will be ruined then we have to go back, walking in the hot sun and it’s not easy walking, especially when you think of that far.”

“We all know that what’s good for Upolu is even better for Savai’i, so hopefully the government is looking at ways to make better roads for us to this side of the country.”

 “Personally, the government should also monitor the construction done on roads to make sure that everything smoothly carried out at where government roads and access roads are located.”

Despite this, Leulu said all is well for him and his family.

“As I’ve mentioned earlier, my family love the life here in the village,” he said.

“We are grateful for everything, we have enough land for our house, a small plantation for our family.”

“Yes, life is great and we have God to thank for all His blessings and guidance upon us. Leulu is a father to three girls.”

By Ilia L. Likou 26 February 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>