MV Manu’atele makes first commercial sailing

manuatele-enters-harbor-2

The MV Manuatele made its first commercial trip to Manu’a with about 55 passengers on board. 

Port Director, Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Poumele said that passengers were charged $30 for a one way trip. 

However they have not begun charging for cargo.

The Manu’atele took all cargo on its first commercial voyage free of charge. 

When lawmakers returned to work today after a three week break, Manu’a faipule Vesi Fautanu Jr. reported that the vessel has made four trips already. 

According to Port Director Taimalelagi they will try to maintain a weekly trip for the MV Manu’atele every Wednesday evening.

Meanwhile, they are awaiting the arrival of Governor Lolo for the release of funding to continue the dredging of Faleasao Harbor which has been put on hold since late last year. 

An initial contract with McConnell Dowell for dredging of Faleasao only included dredging of a portion close to the dock but not the entrance to the harbor itself.

When the contractor finished the scope of work in Faleasao,  McConnell Dowell removed some of their heavy equipment from Manu’a. 

Now that the government wants them to continue dredging, the company would have to mobilize again to Ta’u island, an undertaking which would add to the costs to the dredging project. 

The harbor at Faleasao is not deep enough for the Manu’atele so the boat has to anchor at the entrance and the Uila o le Sami tug boat is used to transport passengers and their cargo to shore. 

The Manu’atele is one of the projects funded with proceeds from the sale of bonds by the American Samoa Economic Development Authority, together with Capital Improvement Project money.