Opposition leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has revealed that the Human Rights Protection Party intends to move ahead with the development of the proposed port at Vaiusu Bay, just west of the township of the capital Apia, if they are returned to government.
Speaking during a meeting with voters at the Falealupo electoral constituency in preparation for the November 26 by-election, Tuilaepa said he had spoken with Chinese leaders and urging them not to stop the project.
The Faatuatua I le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) government stopped the project as soon as they took office.
Tuilaepa said that this is fallout of a continuing feud pitting Australia, America and Japan against the Peoples Republic of China.
He cited a statement by the late South African President ,Nelson Mandela, who said “your enemies are not our enemies”.
The former prime minister pointed out that the company earmarked to work on the proposed Vaiusu project is now doing repair and patch up work at the Apia wharf.
He said the same company had done a feasibility study of Asau Harbor and said they have the technology to deepen the channel allowing for an expanded port facility to enable international transshipping.
“This would create many job opportunities for the Asau and Falealupo districts,” he said.
Photo: Mangroves at Vaiaso Bay, Siosiomaga Society
