Members of the public are urging the authorities responsible for the bus shelters at the Savalalo Bus Terminal to start reconstruction as soon as possible.

Some are concerned that the fallen bus shelter remains at the terminal causing safety concerns. Two blocks of the bus shelter were flattened by strong winds while the third one was knocked down by a reversing bus.

Street vendor, Joe Filipo, who operates seven days a week in the area, emphasised the impact of the broken shelter on daily commuters. 

"Everyone just wants to get it fixed so there is enough space for everyone to fit, especially during rainy days," Filipo expressed. 

He also noted that the situation had forced people, especially those travelling to and from Mulifanua, to congregate in the limited available space, leaving the shelter overcrowded.

Filipo mentioned that the original shelter that was destroyed by strong winds nearly two weeks ago, used to be the waiting area for the Mulifanua commuters. However, since the second shelter was also damaged, commuters have had to relocate and crowd into other available spots farther away, causing inconvenience for most people.

Filipo further emphasised the urgency for repairs, stating, "Personally, I want the shelter to be fixed fast so that people feel safe around the area and so that I can continue selling my products." 

He also highlighted that the elderly commuters are the most affected, particularly when seeking shelter from the heat and rain.

Another affected member of the public, 59-year-old Apana Kopelani, voiced her uneasiness about the current state of the bus shelter, stating, "It's not safe." 

She underlined the importance of prompt repairs, especially with overseas guests visiting Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

Kopelani highlighted the need for the government to address the bus shelter issue, emphasising that the intense heat was a significant problem. 

"We need a new bus shelter especially for the school students when they finish school and need shade from the hot sun," said Kopelani.

Kopelani suggested that while the solution may depend on available funds from the government, the government needed to construct a new bus shelter to benefit not only the school students but commuters. 

There has been no word from the authorities when the fallen shelters will be cleared.