The deteriorating conditions of the AP Lutali Executive Office Building in Utulei has prompted “discussion” on whether to tear down the three-story structure.
Director of Administrative Services, Afalava Eliki Afalava, confirmed this in a phone interview with KHJ News yesterday.
“There are preliminary discussions to try and see what the best option is and that is all we are doing, but there has been no final decision yet,” said Afalava.
Asked about the administration’s plans if and when the decision is made to tear down the EOB, Afalava said they “are not even there yet”.
He said, the condition of the building is what prompted the discussion to consider alternatives. Occupants have complained that the building is rat infested, it is run down and dirty, and the bathrooms are never clean.
When asked when the administration would likely decide on making the next move for the EOB, Afalava said that he is not certain when the final decision will be made and reiterated “its in early discussions.”
The EOB was opened in 1992 under Governor Uifaatali Peter Coleman but construction started in 1989 under Governor Aifili Paulo Lutali, whom the building is now named after.
KHJ News understands that there is a plan to relocate departments now housed in the EOB to a new commercial building to be constructed in Tafuna. More details of that plan in future bulletins.
