The new Member of Parliament for Anoama’a East is not new to Parliament.

Alaiasa Sepulona Moananu is no stranger to Parliament, having represented Salega before, and now that he is back, he is optimistic about the future.

Already, Alaiasa has been appointed as one of the three Whips for the Human Rights Protection Party. The others are Peseta Vaifou Tevaga and Afamasaga Rico Tupa’i. 

For Alaiasa, his mission in the next five years is about improving the lives of his constituents.

One way of achieving that is to advocate for literacy in the area of technology. 

According to Alaiasa, the world today evolves around technology and Samoans in the rural areas should keep up with the changes.

“In my (campaign) poster it had something to do with educating people in rural villages on technology,” he said. 

“Our people (in rural villages) are left behind in terms of computers and other technologies. They are illiterate in these areas and we are looking at ways to educate them, like setting up a computer lab and making these equipments available.”

From observation, Alaiasa said in the village council meeting the old men tend to “block out” and not discuss issues surrounding technology because they do not know what it is. 

“They’re not talking about it but if you travel overseas – everywhere you go depends on technology,” he said. 

“Even the teachers do not know how to work a computer. What can be done is we bring in people who can expose them to this and to give them some knowledge on technology.

“In this day and age, it’s a must to know how to use a computer and other technology if you want to keep up with the world.”

An accountant by profession, Alaiasa also raised concerns about health in his constituency, particularly issues with the water supply. 

Some villagers depend on water from ponds and wells.

Alaisa said this was a concern for him as the water used by the villagers is not tested and it could possibly be contaminated. He added that many people in rural villages die at home from different diseases and programmes should be geared towards stopping this.

Having been entrusted with the role of Whip, Alaiasa said it’s a new challenge for him. He said his goal is to unite the party.

“The goal of a whip is to unite the party. I’m seeking God’s guidance on how to do this.

“When we are united, we are stronger. It’s all about relationships between the M.Ps and building character and that is possible with the guidance of God. 

“People talk about division within the party but when you achieve this goal of bringing them together, that will not happen.”  

Lastly, Alaiasa is confident that his campaign during the election was clean and driven by issues. 

“This general election has been great,” he said. 

“If you got in knowing it was through issues you used to campaign, you will eat and sleep well at night because you didn’t rely on money and bribery. 

“So you can stand on the road and do your campaign and people will vote for you if they know you will follow it…when you have a vision, you have a mission and strategy to drive it.”

Alaiasa is 55 years old. He hails from the villages of Falefa, Lufilufi and Falevao.