Some families at Vaiusu Faleata whose land has been affected by the four-lane widening project for Vaitele Street claim they have not received compensation.
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Others say they are not even aware of it. The money was apparently promised during the consultation with the families prior to the start of the project.
According to the press release from L.T.A, “families whose land will be affected will be compensated, the same with crops and fruit trees they will also be compensated.”
But one resident who identified herself as Lina said she was not aware of it.
“We knew nothing about any compensation,” she said. “No we don’t know anything about any compensation whatsoever.”
Another woman who spoke with the Samoa Observer anonymously, out of fear of retribution from the government, added that regardless of what they say, there is not much they can do. “The government is the government there is nothing we can do to stop them,” she said.
She added: “Our family hasn’t received any compensation since the project has started.”
Contacted for a comment, the L.T.A issued the following press release: “The continuation of the 4 lane widening Project for Vaitele Street which begins at Malifa towards some part of Vailoa village has now commenced, the extension concludes at Vaitele Tai at the boundary with Saina.
“Before work began Land Transport Authority and OSM with close collaboration with Village Mayors conducted consultations with families from Vailoa to Vaitele Tai with the aim to inform them on the proposed work. “Separate Consultations was carried out for each village as each village had their own issues that were raised and were addressed by our Team.
“The road construction is mainly carried out on the Governments Road Reserve, families whose land will be affected will be compensated, the same with crops and fruit trees they will also be compensated.
“The work is funded by World Bank and Ott Transport is the contractor carrying out the construction work. Designing was carried out by Beca Consultants while PLT is supervising the work.
Timeframe for the work is around 12 Months.”
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