The matai council of Ti’avea village on the eastern end of Upolu Island in Samoa has consented to a government request to relocate homes and graves to make way for construction of a $14 million tala airstrip.
Samoa Observer reports a senior matai from Ti’avea, Tolu Iona Maiava, said the village had discussed the government request and what they have decided will stand.
Tolu said the decision includes land that will be affected by the project works and the call has gone out that whoever owns the land cannot oppose further developments.
Last year a memorandum of agreement was signed between the Government and the Ti’avea Village Council for compensation in exchange for the 26 acres of land belonging to Ti’avea families at a cost to Government of $4 million tala.
Tolu said he too will be affected by the move and he stands to lose a family guest house and some graves to the proposed development.
He said some families have already removed buildings and graves affected in the project and should a family oppose the decisions of the village, they can expect to fined.
The yet to be completed airstrip was recently designated as an alternative International Airport following a report that Faleolo International Airport is susceptible to high wave coastal damage.
Photo: Samoa Observer
