Savai'i residents welcomed the opening of five new roads last week valued at SAT$3 million, thanks to funding from the Government which was allocated for major developments.

The Minister of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure, Olo Fiti Vaai as well as the Land Transport Authority (L.T.A.) team and Members of Parliament were in Savai'i to shake hands with villagers as they celebrated the milestone. 

Last Thursday, a span of road opening ceremonies started from Vailoa Palauli, Taga, Fogasavaii and continued on Friday for Sataua and Faiaai. 

Minister Olo detailed the cost of the road construction works and the history of each project in his speech which was delivered at the opening. The road works in Sataua is the longest road constructed at the length of 1.8 kilometres and came with a $957,497 price tag.

According to Minister Olo, the contract was awarded to the local firm Big Island Ltd after it met all the tender requirements.

The Sataua road which is 4.5 meters wide comes with drainage and 1.2 kilometres of sealed road. The road works in Faiaai cost $595,340 and is 1.5 kilometres long and 4 meters wide. 

Minister Olo said 1 kilometre of the road has not been sealed and the construction company is Fico Construction. He added the Government gives priority to road works in areas where people reside. 

Another road works in the village of Vailoa Palauli was carried out by Apia Lua Ltd at the cost of $567,036. The history of the Vailoa Palauli road works, according to the Minister, is that it began in January this year and was scheduled to be concluded on 20 August 2023.

He said the road construction works were completed within the required timeframe, which is a requirement from the Government that needs to be met. The road is 1.7 kilometres long and 4 metres wide inclusive of drainage.

Minister Olo also acknowledged the Member of Parliament for Palauli, Lagaaia Tiaituau Tufuga for his foresight and pushing for the road works. 

In the village of Taga, the Apia Lua Ltd company was awarded the winning bid to carry out road construction works worth $443, 335. 

Emphasising that the road openings on the big island are evidence of the Government’s policies for equal opportunities, he said the major developments contribute to the health of the people and helps encourage people to exercise to minimise high blood pressure and diabetes. 

The installation of the drainage systems is also to ensure the stability and durability of the roads, he added. 

Minister Olo also extended a note of appreciation to the L.T.A. as well as the village councils and construction companies for making the development possible.