The services of the Samoa Water Authority (S.W.A.) now covers about 83 per cent of the country's total population and is projected to increase.

So says C.E.O. Seugamaali'i Jammie Saena in an interview with Samoa Observer.

Seugamaali'i said the other 15 per cent of Samoa's water access service provided under the Independent Water Scheme and the others providing their own.

“The coverage area (consumer network) is likely to increase as with people migrating to areas with no current infrastructure and some I.W.S. Association villages has opted to come under the S.W.A. supply due to reliability of supply and water quality issues.

“Some villages manage their own water systems however it is important to note that the Authority is still open to villages willing to switch over,” she said.

Seugamaali’i said as of June 2018 the total number of household and commercial customers stood at 22,313 with households accounting for 21,238 while commercial customers totalled 1,075.

“The authority continues to strive to ensure all people within its mandated areas have access to a reliable, clean and affordable water service - there will always be challenges in achieving this statement but that is the vision. 

“The authority has had so much progress in getting water to people whom have never accessed tap water before. Still, as people continue to migrate inland or to newly established land the same challenge arises and it is the Authority’s intent to be able to provide this service to everyone possible.  

“There are various difficulties and challenges that the Authority endures in terms of providing water service, especially to areas with no sources (ground water)," she added. 

Seugamaali’i said while the authority has the necessary tools and the experience to drill for underground water, the availability of water underground (aquifer) is a determining factor. 

“Careful planning is always adhered. The commitment of our customers in paying their water bills is one challenge endured. The authority has increased the number of booths for payment as well as its Mobile Collection Program where customers can pay their bill to an authorised vehicle assigned to scheduled areas and dates, making it convenient for our customers."

The authority is currently working on improving its services in the following areas: the Aleisa East supply for Laloanea road, Amosa Road, Falemauga Heights; Afiamalu Supply for Malololelei, Afiamalu, Tiapapata; Lepale Supply network; Magiagi Supply network; Lotofaga Supply network (part of); Palisi Upgrade network; Satapuala Drilling and its network.

The other projects are the Saleaumua supply network which will include Amaile and Samusu; Logoipulotu supply network; Vailele Tai supply network; Tiavea upgrade network; Nofoalii and Fasitoo Uta supply upgrade; the Gataivai Upgrade network; and the submain installations in the urban, Savai'i and rural areas. 

“We install when we can spare the funding as lands are constantly being subdivided and sold without any utilities in place to cater for these lands, S.W.A. has a list of requests to which we evaluate on criteria set and importantly availability of funding," Seugamaali’i added.