The opening of a branch of a local fast-food chain has led to the employment of 16 men and women from the villages of Laulii and Solosolo promising a better socio-economic future for a few families.

The DMC chain opened its doors in Laulii on Wednesday. This brought opportunity for 16 men and women who were unemployed for months, some for years.

The expansion of businesses also contributes to more revenue for the village from the rent payments.

From 9 am to 12 pm on Wednesday, the restaurant as part of the opening offered everything on the menu for free.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, Chief Manager of DMC, Petronella Niulesa explained that DMC just employed 16 new employees for the restaurant, 15 are from Laulii and one is from the neighbouring village in Solosolo.

"We chose this one because of the location to make sure it's accessible to everyone on this side of the island and also it was a very good proposal from the village for their project to have important businesses in Laulii not only for Laulii but also or nearby villages," she said.

"Our main dream is to contribute to our economy and also to provide opportunities and sometimes, we can't give everyone the support. This is how we contribute to the communities to support their families so it's not just supporting the economy but also reaching out to the families needing employment."

 A Laulii high chief, Leniu Vainiu Te'o said having DMC, a big business in what they now call Laulii town will not only employ people from the village and nearby villages but also help Laulii grow financially.

There are now six big businesses including a hardware company, supermarkets and restaurants in Laulii. The collects a monthly revenue of $12,800 which is used to renovate and provide what is needed in the village and also disbursed to families at the end of every year.

"It's a really big project for us because the more businesses we have in Laulii, the more revenue we collect and that goes to developing our village and giving bonuses to every family at the end of the year," he said.

"It's a project that we have been fundraising for that is different from the $1 million project and the purpose is to make it easier for our village to access these basic businesses they need in their daily lives instead of going all the way to Apia."

Two other chiefs in the village, Fuamatu Falelua and Tuialii Motootua also stressed the significance and benefits of having businesses in Laulii for Laulii residents.

Meanwhile, the newly opened DMC is the eighth one to open in the country both in Upolu and Savaii. Seven DMC branches are in Upolu and one in Savaii.

Asked whether they will expand to other villages further in the rural areas, the Chief Manager said 'no' but they might consider it in the future. She said eight branches was enough for Samoa as "it is a small nation".