Taxi drivers are crying foul as the government has declared that roads will be closed off in the area called the CHOGM Peninsula. There also seems to be confusion regarding the topic.

The patch of road from Mulinuu leading to Taumeasina in Moataa will be closed off to normal traffic but this will be done in two phases.

Taxi drivers the Samoa Observer spoke to said the road closure effectively means a loss of income for them.

Alex, 50, from Moamoa said he was happy that Samoa will host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) but is concerned.

“We already asked the LTA about the taxis serving people coming for the CHOGM next month. From my point of view, it is very difficult for taxi drivers,” he said.

“Where do we get money for our family? We agreed on hosting CHOGM but we are living in the area that is about to be shut down.”

Another taxi driver, Talalelei Kalepo, 42 of Faleula said many taxi drivers were excited that CHOGM would mean increased business.

“It will be a huge impact on small businesses because it is their way of earning a living. I hope the government has thought of how impacted businesses would be helped,” he said.

Fale Logo, 46, of Fagaloa, said they supported the government in hosting the event but did not agree for the roads to be closed.

Despite that, he hopes everyone will support the event to be a success.

“The CHOGM will only be held in a week but our service for Samoa will always remain the same. I can see a lot of people complaining about the situation but it is part of the government so we should support it,” he said.

Police Commissioner Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo in a press briefing last week explained that the Ministry of Police, Prisons, and Correction Services conducted a survey and found that businesses in the town area could navigate using alternate routes.

Commissioner Auapa'au said the closure was intended to ensure the safe and efficient movement of delegates.

According to Commissioner Auapa'au, the road closures will be implemented in phases. The first two days of the meeting will see partial closures, with restrictions gradually increasing. By the third day, the road from Mulinu'u to Taumeasina will be entirely closed to the public. Access will be restricted to those with accreditation and vehicle passes.

The Commissioner reiterated that these measures are crucial for maintaining security and ensuring the smooth transportation of international delegations.

Despite the inconvenience posed to the public, the safety and logistical considerations of the meeting take precedence, according to the police.

In Rwanda, parts of the main roads were closed throughout the meeting, but only when delegations especially heads of different governments travelled to and from meeting venues. The roads were then open to the general public throughout the day.