Tualauta Faipule, Florence Vaili Saulo is appealing to Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga to establish a Task Force to tackle the long standing issues of flooding problems in the Tualauta District, as revealed in her latest letter sent to the governor. “I feel it is my mandated responsibility to continuously advocate for such issues, even at the risk of sounding like a broken record,” said the rep, who has written to the governor on several occasions regarding road conditions and flooding issues in her district.

She suggested that assigning a task force would necessitate including all government agency leaders who can contribute to a solution — Public Works, Department of Health, ASPA, EPA, DOC, Samoan Affairs and Treasury.

“Having visited some of the affected homes and families, and after expending some personal resources to assist those in need, it became clear that a permanent solution to the flooding problem required more than just one woman with a backhoe. To solve the issue of flooding in Tualauta requires a concerted effort by Government and community leaders,” she wrote.

“Everyone must be involved, beginning from our Executive leaders and agency heads, to the faipule, to the village leadership.”

Rep Saulo noted flooding in Tualauta is not just a problem, it is a plague that has endured over the years because those who were entrusted with the responsibility of fixing such things failed in their work. 

“A breakdown in leadership, to lack of funding, to procrastination, and perhaps even incompetence all have a part to play in this. It is disheartening and disappointing to see that in 2013 some parts of my District have to live in such conditions that are reminiscent of the slums of the Third World. And it is further upsetting to know that over the years most of these families had to accept it as a part of life because it appeared that no one knew what to do.”

The Tualauta faipule said now is the time to act. 

“And to make this project a true community engagement, we must include some of the residents of Tualauta, especially those who actually reside in the flood-affected areas.”

Saulo goes on to say she’s aware of a flood mitigation plan that was proposed by DPW a few years ago, however it’s unclear what eventually became of it. But if it is something that is still feasible today, perhaps it would be worth the time to review it for purposes of implementation.

“It’s something that the proposed task force can look into as a possible solution,” said Saulo, who added that the next heavy rainstorm will surely bring with it more flooding and damage; and thankfully there has been no loss of life — but do we really need to wait until the floodwaters make such a claim in order to act? she asked.

“My commitment to this issue and the flood mitigation project is sincere,” said Rep Saulo.

Samoa News should point out that both Tualauta House representatives, Rep. Saulo and Rep. Larry Sanitoa, have continued to attack the problems of flooding and poor road conditions for their district — urging the government to take immediate action, while also offering possible solutions.

The Tualauta District is the most populous in the territory, and encompasses some of its worse pothole ridden roads, such as the airport road; and flood areas, like those found in Fagaima and Ottoville.