The Manu’atele hasn’t been able to make a trip to Faleasao Harbor for about 4 months and residents have not been able to ship building materials to Ta’u island for that long.
According to Manu’atele Captain Faiai Foleni, safety is the main concern because during the hurricane season entering Faleasao harbor can be treacherous due to the narrow channel.
He explained at a hearing of the House Transportation Committee Thursday that the priority for cargo to Ta’u island is School Lunch supplies. However, the Manu’atele has not been able to take building materials for the past several months. The three Manu’a Representatives Vice Speaker Fetui Fetu, Vala Liusamoa and Tiaoalii Sai were relentless in their questioning of the Manu’atele Captain and Deputy Director of Port Administration, Tumua Matuu as to why the department can’t charter the Silva company vessel or the Talitiga, owned by Paramount to take building supplies to Ta’u island. Or in the alternative charter, a vessel from Samoa as has been done in the past.
According to Faiai, the Talitiga is not licensed to carry cargo on a commercial basis. Deputy Director of Port Matu’u told the hearing there’s no funding available to pay for a charter. This came as a shock to the lawmakers who told the officials there was sufficient funding approved in the budget for Manu’a transportation. This was allocated to the Port Administration’s budget and also under Special Programs.
Deputy Director Matuu said the department’s budget was only increased by $100,000 for FY2025, compared to a $1 million increase in the FY2024 budget.
Rep. Vala said some building supplies for Manu’a were bought in December awaiting shipment to Ta’u island. According to him, building suppliers have informed customers they will resell the materials and the suppliers are also charging storage fees.
He found it hard to believe that Port Administration has not come up with a plan to address shipping to Ta’u island during the hurricane season. Deputy Director Matuu told the hearing that the department will try and find a way to pay for a charter for this month and next month to Ta’u. She said the new director of Port, Barney Sene, after visiting Manu’a said it was a very “sad situation.”
She assured lawmakers that the new director is on top of the staff to take care of Manu’a.
Captain Faiai Foleni said, at the end of the hearing, that the right type of vessel that can enter Faleasao safely is a landing craft unit.
