Heads are turning as people pass Vaitele along the main highway. Beautifully crafted statues depicting traditional men and a woman are catching everyone's eye.

This is part of Vaitele's preparations for the highly anticipated Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October.

Village mayor Tui Poutalie Maiava said he is grateful for the support from the village, families, local businesses in Vaitele, and everyone contributing to their project.

"This project is very important for us because a lot of people think that Vaitele is not a traditional village that has no village council but we are. That's why this beautification project is really important as it tells the world that Vaitele has a village council," he said.

"There are chiefs who are looking after the village.

"We have a lot of in-kind support for this project, the cementing of the name, that is done by Masoe and the ACP company. The statues were bought from the artist Poutoa Leituvae which costs $1,500 for one. 

"Our culture is all about service just like the proverb the road to authority is through service. That is the whole point of the statues that you see. You can't be a matai if you haven't served.

"I also want to thank Taimalie Utu and the Ah Liki family for their kindness, to the agriculture store, Aumua and Tofilau and their SSAB company, the Chairman and our district council, and everyone who has helped us in terms of finance for our current project."

According to Tui, Vaitele is just like any other traditional village in Samoa where they have bylaws, good governance and matai who keep the village together.

 The money that has gone into the preparations already is close to $26,000.

"Looking at what we have right now, probably the cost of our project is nearly $26,000. Our work is still not done. If you take a look at it, there is still work being done in front of ACP. 

"We are using the landscaping service from USP, they do the work on these cemented pot plants and we pay them. If you look at that wall in front of Farmer Joe, we have painted the myths and legends of Samoa as part of our project."

As the mayor said, there is more to come.