The Malaefatu Play Space in Sogi is an accident trap waiting to happen as the condition of the playground deteriorates. From rusted play equipment to its carpets being turned upside down, the playground poses safety risks.

Due to the conditions, some parents believed authorities needed to act promptly as the play space was still being frequently used.

Monise Peni from Lauli’i said a child will get hurt at the Savalalo playground and it is a tetanus and injury trap with rusty equipment and broken rubber tiles. 

“The playground is in poor condition, with the swings being broken and the carpet being dug up, making it extremely dangerous for the kids to play on," he said.

“The fact that our kids want to spend time in a place like Malaefatu and that it has been damaged due to a lack of security guarding government sites is completely unacceptable."

Safune Sililo Petelo who often takes his kids to the playground seemed to be rather dissatisfied with the state of the playground and thinks that certain individuals, particularly young people, are damaging it at night.

 “We simply hope that the government will look into the issue we are currently facing at the playground and perhaps take action to fix it or renovate it so that our kids can come to play and enjoy themselves,” he said.

 “Although it is a major disaster, it is also a charming location for families and friends to get together and spend time with their kids. It is also the nation's centre.

"To maintain a clean outdoor environment for everyone, all users of the Malaefatu Play Space are urged to share and use the playground equipment in a fun and safe way, dispose of all trash in the designated receptacles located throughout the property, maintain a family-friendly atmosphere that will inspire kids to play and learn, follow the Play Space guidelines posted on the signs and keep in mind that playground equipment is intended for kids ages 14 and under."

 The playground, the first of its sort in the city was made to serve as a gathering place for local families, tourists, and visitors of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers.

It was opened by former New Zealand Prime Minister To’osavali John Key and Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi in early July 2015.