The owner of Samoa’s only noodle factory is in no rush to reopen as maintenance to comply with the requirements by the Ministry of Works Transport and Infrastructure is ongoing. 

The Tofolelei Noodle factory that operates out of Siusega halted operations in July this year and remains closed to date.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, owner and businesswoman Fogaa Sylvia Lafaialii – Fang said she is currently focused on her other business ventures and the factory remains closed. 

“There is no stop notice against us at this point and when we have time we will resume operation,” she said. 

“We have other businesses opening right now and are waiting for stock on those for Christmas. 

“So we are taking our time, for now we are maintaining the place and considering complaints from our neighbour.” 

The businesswoman added the factory has always complied with requirements from the authorities and were asked to consider concerns from a neighbouring resident who claimed that the smell from the factory caused her asthmatic husband to feel dizzy and nauseous.

She said the couple had lived in Australia for years and returned to Samoa with asthma and it was not caused by the fumes from the factory. 

“Those are issues we have to consider and minimise the smell.”  

One of the neighbours had complained about the smell of fumes from the factory but a report from the Planning Urban Management Agency (P.U.M.A.) stated the smell was not strong where the complaining neighbour resided.

A report produced by the P.U.M.A. dated June 2023 following its inspections of the noodle factory highlighted health and environmental concerns and referred to aged machinery used to make noodles.

Mrs. Fang assured those issues have all been addressed and they have not received any further complaints from the authorities. 

As for the 50 plus workers employed at the noodle factory, she said they have been given employment in her other business ventures to ensure they are not financially deprived. 

The Minister of Works Transport and Infrastructure, Olo Fiti Vaai previously confirmed a list of recommendations to be actioned by the company to ensure full compliance. 

In July, he said the factory continues to be closely monitored by the agency to ensure each functional interests which are relevant to the factory’s development application and operations are met accordingly.

“A follow up inspection will be conducted to inspect whether the factory has complied with and adhered to the advice given to them, especially to ensure the occupational health and safety of the employees,” said the Minister. 

“Only then can this matter be submitted again to an upcoming Board Meeting for a determination.

“Relevant authorities involved in the determination of such decisions are in support of the reopening of the factory pending the complete compliance of the list of recommendations.”