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Faipule approve measure for study on bridge to Aunu’u

Aunu'u Island sign
ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The House of Representatives approved a resolution requesting a study for the construction of a bridge between Tutuila and Aunu’u.

According of the resolution, traveling by boat between Aunuu and Tutuila is one of the most dangerous forms of transportation in the territory. More lives have been claimed by the treacherous channel than by any other route since boats began transporting passengers from the Auasi wharf to Aunu’u.

For years, residents of Aunu’u have pleaded with the government to provide security for travelers by properly constructing wharfs and dredging the areas around them so that entrance into and out of these loading areas can be done safety. The first major relief for residents of Aunu’u came in 1981 when the Army Corps of Engineers constructed the current wharf with a connecting wharf in the village of Auasi on Tutuila.

However, not much has been done to improve either wharf since then and the woes of the people continue including many lives which have been claimed to the treacherous route.

According to the resolution, the most reasonable, efficient, and permanent solution for travel to and from Aunu’u would be to construct a bridge that would connect Aunu’u to Tutuila. A bridge has many benefits including both the economy and more importantly, the safety of travelers to Aunu’u.

The resolution says that economically, Aunu’u can become the center of tourism for the Eastern district. Located on Aunu’u is an abundance of flora and fauna sought by many tourists who wish to take in the environment and all that it offers. Aunu’u is also home to the only known quicksand pit in the territory and Vaisuatoto (Blood Lake), which is part of Samoan folklore known to all residents of the island.

Sandy beaches cover the shoreline of the island and the island is known for its marshes and popular taro farms. The island is also known for its great fishing.

Saole Faipule Titialii Kitara Vaiau sponsored the resoluti