Work has begun to build sea walls alongside the road on the south coast of Upolu to protect motorists as well as the travelling public from the encroaching shoreline.

The sea walls currently under construction run along a broken piece of land that looks out to the Namu’a Island, a favourite destination for tourists and locals alike.

Longtime resident and vehicle owner, who only identified herself as Fani, said the maritime weather conditions have been bad this year and they continue to be threatened by king tides.

"The king tides kept bringing the sea inland so the waves resulted in damaged grass and as well as gardens," said the local resident. 

"You could see the root of the tree that was there so it was losing its grip and feeding on salt water. 

“It's nearly hard to believe that the change of tides these days are causing more damage than usual.

"It is thus nice to see that the south coast is now blessed with the sea wall.”

Another resident Sikivi Semo said he did not think the roads would be affected by the sea, but was surprised to see that the shoreline was moving further inland.

"We rarely notice till one day we drive by and there is a big hole in the middle of the road," he said. 

"The sea seems a lot rougher than it was in the last five years. It also seems as if the weather is a lot hotter.

“The rocks for the new sea wall seem to help, which is a good thing because that part of the coast is vulnerable to high tides." 

The coastal area where the seawall is being worked on runs from Saleaamua to Mutiatele, Ulutogia, Vailoa and Lalomanu. 

All these villages were in the path of the tragic 2009 tsunami which saw over 200 lives lost.

A survivor of the tsunami and mother of three, Sosefina, told the Samoa Observer that she is happy for the children's safety with the construction of the seawall.

"I see the children playing on the road sometimes when there are not many vehicles in the evening,” she said. 

“It is good to see that the wall covering will help them stay away from the dangerous holes that the sea was digging by the roads.”

In an earlier interview with the Minister of Works Transport and Infrastructure, Olo Fiti Vaai, he said that there is funding for the maintenance of roads on the south coast of Upolu.

The current roads of the south coast of Upolu are still in good condition since the last maintenance, according to a Sikivi Semo. 

"I think the roads are even better all the way to Le Mafa pass. I don't see the big holes anymore. 

“Fingers crossed they don't get there tomorrow. But I am sure the residents of the south coast are somewhat relieved by the quick and lasting fix. I know I am.”