The Samoan Fale at the airport is no more.
Its been taken down for safety reasons, according to the Acting Director of Port Administration Falenaoti Loi-on Fruean. She told KHJ News, the fale was demolished because it was a safety hazard especially to daily airport users.
Loi-On Fruean explained that for several months, they cordoned so toff the Fale so the public would not enter and use it.
The entire fale was dilapidated, she described. She added that they tried to salvage some parts of the Fale Samoa; for example, the posts and the beam but when they pulled the structure down nothing was worth keeping.
When asked if they plan to build another fale on the airport premises, the acting director said yes—but it’s not a priority at this stage.
The fale and its foundation were completely demolished and the space where it stood, is now just open space.
Ava ceremonies for visiting dignitaries, farewell ceremonies for departing sports teams, and a few prayer services for funerals of VIPS are some of the events which have been held at this particular Samoan fale, which is believed to be more than 30-years-old.
