Afega has spent over $12,000 to build Samoan houses (faleoo) on the roadside said the secretary for Afega's Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting project, Fata Va'afa'i Misipati.

"This initiative wasn't done by one person, this was put forward by our Member of Parliament, and the good thing is that his thoughts aligned with what our village wanted," he said. 

"We all accepted it wholeheartedly because it is for a good cause especially going towards the big meeting in October.

"Over $12,000 went into this project but that money is from the village alone. No funds is coming from anywhere, this money is our village funding. 

"There was a purpose for this money but our village has already agreed to use some of that funding for building these houses. I'm sure you understand the cost of living right now, even the cars used to get our materials for this project, we still pay for their petrol every day. 

"But the meals is from the good heart of the families. Some families donated in terms of groceries and food."

"We are building faleo'o in the front and even though it is quite challenging at times. It is doable because we are all working together, from us matai to our village men, to the ladies and everyone. 

"The women prepare the food for men who are working tirelessly and in the sun to build these houses. We also plan to decorate it the traditional way using cultural decorations, and this is where our women come in."

Fata said a lot of funds were needed for their project. 

"There were some who suggested that we should do it the traditional way where we use the rocks as the foundation of the houses but we don't have that much time. But with this, we want our visitors to see our houses the way they were back in the day. There are other things that we are doing but you will see it once we complete everything."

"We listen to what our high chiefs and elders have to say. We started with just two houses but when they saw it was great, they decided to build more. We have a lot of work to be done, but we are still looking at finishing everything before the meeting."

Afega is yet to get a notice on which country they'll be hosting for CHOGM.