It’s the view of Vice Speaker and Manu’a faipule Fetu Fetui that provisions of the Deed of Cession entitles the government to provide free transportation for the people of Manu’a.
When Port Administration tried to impose fees for cargo on the Manu’atele, there was immediate resistance.
Port Director Taimalelelagi Dr, Claire Poumele had announced the Manu’atele cargo charges in an interview on KVZK-TV, which KHJ news also reported on.
When the director appeared at a House Transportation Committee hearing last week, Taimalelagi said there were complaints from people about the rates and claiming they were never publicized.
Otters were pressing for a public hearing to discuss the rates.
Vice Speaker Fetu Fetui told the director that the cargo charges and fares being charged on boats to Manu’a are illegal and the government could be sued for charging them.
Director Taimalelagi told the hearing every boat trip to Manu’a costs $8,900 and the governor has to find ways to finance these trips.
When questioned who set the rates for the MV Manu’atele, the director replied they were determined by the Marine Board on which Manu’a Senator and Senate President Pro Temp, Nuanuaolefeagaiga Saoluaga Nua sits.
The cargo rates are $1.50 per cu.ft
A full container of frozen goods costs $875 and vehicles are charged $135.
For fares, infants to 5 year olds travel free, 6 year olds to high school age pay $15 one way, $30 roundtrip.
Senior citizens also pay that rate.
All others pay $35 one way and $70 round trip.
The Port Director supported the idea of holding a public hearing on the Manu’atele rates, after the port conference that she and her department are hosting this week,
Vice Speaker Fetu said it ’s the government’s duty to provide transportation for Manu’a residents no matter what the cost.
He said he was not asking for a free ride but for what the people of Manu’a are entitled to under the Deed of Cession that the leaders of Manu’a signed with the federal government.
