Almost a week after extreme flooding ripped through the Nu'usuatia bridge, villagers are rejoicing at the sight of a replacement taking form.

Ms. Alaimalo Anani, who lives directly next to the construction site, told the Samoa Observer vulnerable families near the site of the bridge are looking forward to its completion. 

She said the local community lives in fear every time there is heavy rainfall. 

"For the village of Nuusuatia, this bridgework is a blessing because for the many we have seen what the water can do to our lands, especially families more downstream," she said. "When the water overflows, not only do their crops get affected which puts food on the table, their homes are also affected.

"But we are very thankful to see the works take place to improve the bridge."

Ms. Anani especially thanked God and his whispers through the Government of Samoa for taking measures to improve infrastructure in the village.

"I thank the Government for including this village's bridge in their long-term goals which will benefit the motorists and villagers on this side of the island," she said.

Currently, the road is connected by five culvert pipes allowing a temporary detour one-lane road over the Nu’usuatia ford so motorists can cross the river. The temporary access, which is a few metres downstream, gives the public access while work on the new bridge continues.

Village Mayor Leleua Suataga ‘Aso said the replacement of the old infrastructure is long overdue, saying it was not the first time severe flooding had cut off their road access.

“It’s about four times that a flood destroyed the work on the new bridge but they can’t back out now because the old bridge has already been taken down,” Leleua told the Samoa Observer after the December flooding.

“We’re really looking forward to this new bridge. Not only is it safe for our village but the rest of the motorists and people who go through here.

“An improvement to the one-lane bridge in Nu'usuatia is long overdue.”

A comment has been sought from the Land Transport Authority (L.T.A.)

L.T.A. documents online show that the construction of Nuusuatia bridge replacement was tendered in early 2020; submissions on the bid are dated to have closed March 2, 2020. 

According to a Planning and Urban Management Agency's (P.U.M.A.) advertisement two other bridges - at Lelata and Aia, Lotofaga - are also in the pipeline.