Concerns continue to grow over rubbish blocking drainage systems in Vaitele, with residents, students and commuters calling for action as safety risks increase.

Fuafiva Mata'utia, a university student, said she has witnessed the issue repeatedly, especially during rainfall.

“I’ve been seeing this, especially when it’s raining. I’ve seen some rubbish blocking drainage, and it’s kind of uncomfortable," she said. 

“I could say that there’s one reason for it because people still don’t use their brains to avoid throwing rubbish around road and everywhere. That’s why it caused blocked drainage there. I do pass the area sometimes. It’s not really quite safe for people and the LTA should be monitoring that.”

Another student, Anasitasia Tiatia, 18, also shared concerns.

“It’s very unsafe seeing rubbish blocking the drain when there’s mud because of the drainage,” she said. “It’s very uncomfortable and unsafe, and it’s very dirty. Also, it might smell bad when it’s left untouched for a long period of time.”

Taxi driver Mikaele Leo said he also experiences the problem while driving passengers in the area.

“I also face the problem of rubbish blocking drainage because I sometimes pass by here to drop passengers,” he said. “And it’s very uncomfortable seeing a lot of rubbish blocking the drain. Still water means more mosquitoes around. It becomes a health risk if the water stays too long and of course it’s always a saying that it’s uncomfortable for the tourists and it’s giving bad marks for our country.”

The Samoa Observer sent an email to the LTA for comment, but there was no response. The newspaper also noted there has been no reply to other recent stories involving the authority.