Motorists residing on the south coast of Upolu have praised the Government’s road maintenance programme for being quick in fixing potholes.

Potholes sighed along the Falevao to Lemafa pass and into Ti'avea and alongside Mutiatele and Ulutogia down to Lalomanu have been identified as problematic areas that needed the attention of the authorities. 

Village residents expressed concern that no one seemed to be looking into the problem after the public pointed out their challenges in September this year.

However, local resident Steve Leifi told the Samoa Observer that the roads in question around Lemafa have been repaired.

"The roads on Lemafa were fixed in our town and this was around a month ago," said Mr. Leifi.

Tuumaga Tali, who works in Lalomanu and commutes to Falevao on a daily basis, told this newspaper that the roads were not damaged after heavy rain last month.

"I went home last night and the Lemafa pass is very good. Even through the rains it seems solid," he said.

"I also think they did some work on the coastal roads because there is a roped fence anchored with cement that is safer for motorists to see because that side of the road at Ulutogia has been eaten by the sea.”

Another vehicle owner, who commutes to Apia for work and did not want to be identified, told the Samoa Observer that it is a relief to have some of the roads fixed.

"My car has taken a beating over the months of neglect of the potholes. But I am happy to see that something is being done," she said.

"I don't feel hopeless anymore. I think this kind of thing can really affect us because the cost of living is high enough as it is."

In an earlier interview with the Minister of Works Transport and Infrastructure, Olo Fiti Va'ai raised concerns about the poor quality of workmanship by certain contractors.

"Sometimes, before I became a Minister, I saw men pushing stick rollers to flatten the roads. I am not allowing any of that anymore. It is unprofessional.” 

The Minister also said that funding has been approved by a donor partner for the reconstruction of roads in the east which is one of his priorities in the Ministry.