Today April 3rd goes down in history as the day that every container entering and leaving Pago Pago Harbor, whether full or empty, is scanned for a fee.
As advertised, the container scanner, one of four scanners bought with $6 million from the proceeds of the American Samoa Economic Development Authority bond sale, goes on line.
And last Friday, a packed meeting of port users was briefed on the logistics, operation, process and other factors about the container scanner.
Deputy Director of Port Administration Christopher King and Deputy Treasurer Keith Gebauer, along with the head of the Customs scanner operations Konelio Tufele gave the rundown.
The indication from King and Gebauer’s statements is that the operation of the equipment which is essentially a large X-ray machine for containers, is a work in progress, and there will be a period of trial and error for this new government function.
Gebauer who has been Acting Chief of Customs since the resignation of former Customs Chief Moetului Sipili Fuiava told the meeting the scanners are here to stay.
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Business owners and managers seemed concerned about possible exposure to radiation for their workers and also cargo, particularly food items.
Assurances by Tufele that all will be safe did not convince some business owners.
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Gebauer explaining the operation of the container scanner which is now in action at the wharf.
It’s evident that the scanner will affect operations on the main dock because according to the officials, containers will line up to be scanned, and incoming traffic will be halted.
The ASG officials are calling another port users meeting this week to review the container scanner operations.
We’ll report later on a recommendation from the meeting for an independent party to study radiation exposure from the container scanner.
