The constituency of Gagaifomauga No.3. in Savai'i is standing firm in its commitment to a lease agreement with Hong Kong-based, locally registered companies aiming to establish a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Sasina, despite significant delays and ongoing communication issues with the government.

Speaking exclusively to the Samoa Observer from Sasina, spokesperson Seve Avaula expressed optimism about the future of the project assuring that the investors remain committed to the deal. 

"The lease agreement we have with the investors is reviewed every five years," Seve explained. "So we are positive that despite the delay in progressing to the next stage, the investors will not give up."

The SEZ agreement, which has faced extended delays, has seen variations that have ultimately increased the lease payment. 

Initially set at $250,000 annually, the payment was raised to $500,000, which Seve confirmed was part of the ongoing negotiations. "We are waiting to sign the lease payment for this year, but there have been some issues with the disbursement of the cheque. However, we are hopeful that this will be resolved soon," he added.

Despite the slow pace of progress, Seve remains confident that the development will ultimately benefit the remote area of Sasina in Savai'i. 

He believes that the government and relevant ministries should recognise the potential of the proposal, which he sees as an opportunity to stimulate income generation, create jobs, and foster business growth in the region.

"These lands have been uncultivated for years, and now we have investors willing to develop something that could benefit us all," Seve said. "It’s not just for our constituency, but for the whole country and the surrounding communities." 

He urged that others should also see the long-term benefits of such developments.

When questioned about how the lease payments are distributed among the villages, Seve clarified that the funds are shared equally between the three main villages involved: Sasina, Fagae'e, and Letui. 

"Once we sign the cheque, it is divided among the three villages, and the elders then distribute it to individual matai within our constituency," he explained.

The project has also attracted its share of criticism, particularly online, but Seve dismissed these criticisms, attributing them to a lack of understanding about the deal's potential. 

He defended the arrangement, saying, "If we don't know how to utilise these lands, which belong to our villages, then it might be best to give them to those willing to turn them into something productive for our country and community."

Last week, the Member of Parliament for Gagaifomauga No.3 La'auli Leuatea Schmidt voiced concerns over the government's slow response and lack of communication with both the investors and his constituency. 

"My concern is that my constituency signed an agreement with these investors, and they’ve been waiting over 10 years for government approval," La'auli said.

"What’s disappointing is the lack of direct communication between the government, the investors, and my constituency. Now, this issue has been made public, and my worry is that the investors might walk away due to these delays," he added. "Is this how we treat investors? The whole world is watching, and this is the response they receive to their proposal?"

Despite the criticism and ongoing delays, La'auli acknowledged that the investors have continued to fulfil their financial commitments. The constituency has received approximately $3 million over the past five years, with payments of $300,000 and $250,000 annually. However, as the proposed SEZ remains stalled, questions linger about the long-term sustainability and success of the project.

As the situation unfolds, the future of the Special Economic Zone in Sasina hangs in the balance.