Sparks fly over claims S.P.A. is broke

The transfer of ownership of the Mulifanua and Salelologa ports from the Samoa Ports Authority to the Samoa Shipping Corporation will mean more sufficient and better services for everyone.

That is, according to the Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi. But Opposition Leader, Palusalue Fa’apo II says that the real reason for the transfer is that the Authority is broke.

This claim led to a heated debate in parliament and personal accusations by the Prime Minister of the Opposition leader’s performance when he had been a Minister in parliament.

With regard to the Ports Authority Amendment Bill 2014 discussed in parliament this week, Tuilaepa said the bill is in parliament for the transfer while the move has already been made.

“The bill is to make the baptism (of transfer) official that’s already been made,” said Tuilaepa.

“As mentioned by the Minister, once a ferry arrives at the wharf, the sailor throws down the rope to dock the boat but someone has to be down there.

“When there are two different managements, it is difficult when the boat arrives and no one is down there to catch the rope.”

However, since the transfer, Tuilaepa said the services at the domestic ports have been better than ever.

The Ports Authority Amendment Bill 2014 tabled by Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Manu’alesagalala Enokati Posala seeks to amend the Ports Authority Act 1998 (principal act).

The objective of the bill is to authorize the transfer of the ownership of the Mulifanua and Salelologa ports from S.P.A to S.S.C.

This week, Opposition Leader, Palusalue Fa’apo II claimed that the only reason why the ports are being transferred to S.S.C. is because S.P.A. is bankrupt.

“My question is, isn’t the very reason (for transfer) is because S.P.A. is broke?” said Palu “Why wasn’t the wharf at Satitoa that has cost so much money, included in the transfer?”

But Minister Manu’a dismissed this.

“Just a correction of claims that S.P.A. is broke;

no that is not the reason,” assured Manu’a.

“Works are going smoothly and transportation between the islands is not on hold. Transportation between the islands is a priority.”

Palu cut in.

“Can’t the Ports Authority make the improvements on the wharf at Saleologa and Mulifanua,” asked Palu.

“That is the real reason behind the transfer of wharves to S.S.C. because S.P.A. cannot afford it.” The Prime Minister interjected.

“The developments from S.P.A. or the problems at the Authority need to be addressed, but we cannot leave it as it is because it will not get better. The main purpose is better services between the islands.”

But Palu was not done yet.

“At the moment Shipping is doing well,” he pointed out.

“I’m not making any predictions but I assure you that the ferry fare will be increased in order to pay for the debt. Shipping will sink in here if they take this on.” Tuilaepa was not going to let this one go. “I want to congratulate the Minister for doing this,” he said.

“In those days when Palu was a Minister he was not able to do these things.”

Palu laughed at the claims from Tuilaepa.

“Just a correction, when I left, S.P.A. was pocketing 17 million and it wasn’t broke,” said Palu. “It’s broke because of the wharf at Satitoa.”

Tuilaepa responded that he did not understand why Palu keeps insisting about the Satitoa wharf.

“You didn’t even do it.”

At this point Manu’a stood up to question Palu.

“Don’t you want better services for Savai’i and Upolu?”asked Manu’a.

“You were here (a Minister) why didn’t you do it then?” Palu replied that it should’ve been done a long time ago. “During my time everything was good and new.”