Villages with the highest number of dengue fever cases are being targeted first in the Scrap Metal and Bulky Waste Collection Drive. All other villages, including those in Aunu’u and Manu’a, will be covered later.
The collection drive being coordinated by the Department of Health, American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (AS-EPA) and the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA), is intended to remove potential dengue vector habitats in villages. The focus is on large items, including tires, old appliances, scrap metal, bulky waste, and similar materials.
It is scheduled to begin on Friday, August 15, and continue from Monday through Friday, August 18–22, 2025. The priority coverage area for this initial drive is from Nu’uuli to Amaluia, including all villages in between.
The Office of Samoan Affairs, under the leadership of Secretary Faiivae Alex Godinet, is coordinating the drive in villages, spearheaded by village Fa’alupega, Pulenu’u, and Leoleonu’u.
The schedule for the collection drive is as follows:
- August 15, August 18, and August 19: Nu’uuli/Malaeimi, Mapusaga/Mesepa, Faleniu, Pava’iai, Tafeta/Mapusaga Fou, Aoloau, and Aasu
- August 20 and 21: Tafuna/Fagaima/Kokoland/Petesa/Ottoville, Ili’ili/Happy Valley/Fogagogo, and Vaitogi
- August 22: Futiga, Malaeloa, Taputimu, Vailoa, Leone, and Amaluia
The above villages are asked to coordinate with their village mayors and village policemen to designate safe areas along the roadside to place scrap metals, old appliances, tires, any form of containers, bulky wastes, or any large items that can hold water.
Once the collection drive in these targeted villages is completed, all other villages in the Territory—including Aunu’u and the Manu’a islands—will be covered.
Director of the DOH, Dr. Saipale Fuimaono, said, “Participation in this collection drive is a simple but powerful step communities can take to contain the outbreak, control the spread of dengue fever, and prevent new infections.”
On behalf of Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula and Lieutenant Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr., the DOH Director thanked all village councils, village members, and ASG departments for supporting the collection drive.
