Utu Says ASPA Needs $160M to Fix Water Problem

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The Executive Director of the American Samoa Power Authority Utu Abe Malae told the cabinet yesterday that a five year plan by ASPA to fix the root of the water problem which led to the boil water notice would cost $160 million.

He says the US Environmental Protection Agency has already provided $40 million and ASPA is making available $5 million of its own funds towards lifting the boil water notices in the remaining villages.

Utu commented he feels bad about the water problem but just like CMS’ surprise visit to LBJ Hospital, they get their directives from the Environmental Protection Agency.

He said ASPA will have to look for $115 plus million to finance the rest of the project and he named as a possible source of funding the American Samoa Economic Development Authority.

ASPA is looking at rolling out the five year plan for water improvement this year.

In a presentation by ASPA to the governor, Fono leaders and members in July of last year the agency set December of this year to completely lift the boil water notice for villages from Iliili to Pago Pago.

A report from Utu to Governor Lolo dated July 8, 2015 gave details of what ASPA is doing to lift the BWN.

At the tIme ASPA had taken off line a contaminated ground water source in Malaeloa, increased production at another well and re routed water flow from other wells in Malaeloa to make up for the loss in volume from the well that was shut down.

It also installed approved septic systems for homes surrounding the wells, eliminating cesspools that are sources of contamination.

This resulted in lifting the BWN for Malaeloa, and Leone to Fagalii.

And all schools in this area, namely Leone Midkiff, Leone High School, Alataua Lua, St Theresa Elementary and Faasao Marist no longer have to boil their water for drinking.

Utu also reported then that all Pago Pago water wells are clear of any bacteria from the choliform group.

And ASPA has installed locking mechanisms on valves that ensure production from the Tafuna well field does not blend with water production from the Pago Pago water system.

The area from Pago Pago to Atuu which includes Pago Pago Elementary School do not need to boil water.

This leaves villages beginning from the Antioch Assembly of God Church in Iliili, eastward to Pago Pago under the Boil Water Notice.

The ASPA Executive Director stated at yesterday’s cabinet meeting, 32 miles of water pipes are failing and every day there is a new failure with the pipes that causes the ongoing problem requiring some areas to have their water boiled.

He was optimistic that ASPA can get the targeted amount for the project as long as it has good financial statements.

Utu pointed out that ASPA’s financial statement is completed and it is unqualified.

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