The Customs Scanners Are on Their Way

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Treasury is going ahead with the purchase of rapid scanners for the Customs Division.

This was confirmed by Chief Of Customs Moetului Sipili Fuiava who says four scanners have been ordered and should arrive in three months.

Moetului said the scanners are being supplied by RapiScan the sole bidder that responded when ASG advertised for bids to supply the scanners last  year.

It was revealed at Fono hearings that officials of Treasury had made several trips to meet with the company and see their scanners at work.

The Customs Chief did not provide any information on the source of funding for the scanners.

Originally $10 million of the $78 million that the American  Samoa Development Authority raised in bond revenue was going towards the purchase and maintenance of 6 scanners.

But Governor Lolo Moliga put a hold on the purchase after the Senate raised objections.

The senators felt $10 million was way too much money to be used on this equipment when there are more pressing needs like funding for the hospital and furniture for schools.

Treasury and ASEDA said the scanners would add $1-1.5 million to ASG’s coffers just from the fees that importers will have to pay.

At that time, the fee being discussed was $150 per container.

It’s not known whether this fee is still being considered.

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