Village chief and untitled men of Apia gathered to clean the beach area in the town as part of efforts to maintain the environment and prepare the surroundings for visitors expected in the country next week.

New Zealand's Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, arrives this Sunday. He will also be accorded a matai bestowment on Monday.

The exercise resulted in the gathering of plastic bottles, wrappers, cans and food containers washed up on the beach.

An Apia chief said the work was part of their responsibility to care for the area under the village’s authority.

“Our role is simply to clean and maintain the area and environment under their responsibility,” the chief explained.

He said the clean-up effort is especially important at this time as Samoa prepares to host international visitors.

“Preparations are important because the Prime Minister of New Zealand is expected to arrive, and we were the ones hosting the CHOGM meeting; New Zealand was our country to host,” he said.

Because of this, he said the area must be properly cleaned and prepared.

“This is why we came to clean and take care of their village area, making sure the surroundings are presentable,” he said.

He added that maintaining a clean environment is important for the image of the community, especially when visitors arrive.

“It would look bad for visitors if the place is not cleaned, so we intend to make sure the area is tidy and well-maintained before people arrive.”

The clean-up was carried out along the beach area in Apia as part of ongoing efforts by village leaders and community members to keep the surroundings clean and welcoming.