The daily pilgrimage inland for residents of Fasitoo-Uta will be considerably smoother with the commissioning of a new road by Government on Thursday.

Fasitoo-Uta were presented their new $3.2 million tala road by top Government officials in a ceremony attended by village residents, clergy and matai (chiefs). 

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr Sa'ilele Malielegaoi gave the main address, acknowledging the village's Parliamentary representative - Leaupepe Toleafoa Faafisi - for raising the need to improve the road, which had became a struggle to traverse over the years. 

Road works started in 2017 and were initially carried out by local contractor, Lee Transport for $486,061 and covering a distance of 1.5 kilometers. In 2018, 2 kilometers of the road were constructed by Ah Liki Construction at a total cost of $684,082.27, and in 2020 the last 4.3 kilometers were constructed by Lucky Construction for $2 million tala. 

"Road works are now complete, which also includes road drainages. The road is 7.8 kilometers long, 8 meters wide and the tar-sealed road goes all the way to Aleisa," the Prime Minister said. 

"This new road adds to the many roads that have been successfully completed and opened. It will ensure efficient and safer public transportation for the village. 

"Despite awareness of the impacts of COVID-19, we will still continue to improve and develop our roads and infrastructure for the safety of the travelling public."

Tuilaepa thanked the village of Fasitoo-Uta for their efforts and prayers and thanked the three contractors, Lee Transport, Ah Liki Construction and Lucky Construction, for their contribution to improving the infrastructure of Samoa.  

A mother-of-two, Kolini Esau from Fasitoo-Uta rejoiced at the newly opened road which she says will make transportation easier now. 

"We're very glad for this well improved and developed road for our village. Our road has been like a road for plantation work for years but now we're very fortunate we're able to go about much easier," Ms Esau said. 

The ceremony was held at the premises of the EFKS Lepale and ribbon-cutting performed by the Church Minister's wife, Vaasiva Lio Taula.