A resident of Ta’u, Manu’a is pleading with government leaders to please send a boat to Manu’a as its been more than a month since the MV Sili has been down and they don’t know when it will be back in service.
Ale Filoialii called KHJ News today saying after the beautiful Flag Day celebrations which he watched on KVZK-TV and heard on V-103 radio, he wants to remind leaders especially their senators and representatives that Manu’a is hurting for lack of transportation.
He said they haven’t heard any mention of an alternative arrangement for sending supplies to Manu’a while the MV Sili is down.
Only the American Samoa Power Authority is chartering private boats to take fuel and their own supplies but private citizens and store owners aren’t able to send their cargo on the charters as ASPA supplies take precedence.
The private boats can only take so much.
Ale said he’s heard statements attributed to Manu’a lawmakers concerning Manu’a’s plight but so far that’s all its been, talk… no solution.
“Manu’a is hurting and it needs urgent help,” said Ale.
A Port Administration official said the MV Sili‘s rudder and shaft have to be repaired and parts are needed.
According to the official the government has been trying to get the Samoa Government vessel, Fotu-o-Samoa to make a trip however it hasn’t been available for the last several weeks.
