Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, blasted the leader of the Opposition, Palusalue Fa’apo II, over what he described as the mentality “of doing things for free.”
The Prime Minister issued the rebuke during the second reading of the Plumbing Bill 2013 in Parliament yesterday. The bill proposes a register for all qualified plumbers to address complaints about the poor standards of plumbing services in Samoa. “That mentality is why the government got in trouble in 1981,” Tuilaepa said. “It’s because of this spirit of doing things for free.”
Looking across to Palusalue, Tuilaepa said the standards in Samoa have been raised – and the same should also apply to the performance of plumbers. “I’m glad the country is listening to the kind of people you are. You want everything to be done for free and yet when the government asks you to raise funds for these things, you object.”
Referring to the debate on Tuesday night, Tuilaepa said: “Like last night when we tried to clarify things and elaborate and you objected and yet when the government tries to shorten Parliamentary sessions, you also object. Everything the government tries to do, you object...”
Palusalue immediately interjected. “Mr Prime Minister, this side is not asking for things to be done for free,” he said. “But you've just said to do it for free,” Tuilaepa fired back. “No,” Palu responded. “The only thing we’re saying is that through this law, the cost of such projects will increase. Members of the public will suffer as a result.” That’s when Tuilaepa snapped. “You were a Minister,” he told Palusalue.
“During that time, I never heard you during a Cabinet meeting argue for this and that to be done for free. “Where did you place your intelligence at the time? Where was your love? Have you suddenly become intelligent and caring when you stood on that side (opposition)? You sat in Cabinet.” Palusalue tried to interrupt saying: “Mr Speaker, I want to correct something. This statement has been made many times before.” Speaker La’auli Leuatea Polata’ivao did not allow Palusalue’s objection. But Prime Minister Tuilaepa was not done.
“This is irresponsible,” he said about the Tautua Samoa Party’s fascination to have things done for free. “As I said yesterday, the government is trying to bring all the professional bodies to register so that the performance of their duties are regulated. If there are problems, there is a law that would guide it. “It's as clear as daylight why you are talking about getting things for free. We recently had the electricity tariff (debate) and you all wanted it stopped. Mr. Speaker, the government cannot move forward if it has no money to implement its plans.” Earlier during the debate, Palusalue said he felt sorry for members of the public.
“With this new law, it means that everytime a job is done, a permit is needed,” he said. “At the moment, permission is needed from PUMA, an electricity permit is needed, there is a permit for everything. “The worry is that now we need a permit for plumbing. Members of the public cannot handle any more of these costs. It is too much.”
The leader of the Tautua Party reminded that the “big companies responsible for government contracts are able to handle these costs” because they have money. “But it will only add more weight to members of the public.”
The Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Manu’alesagalala Enokati Posala, interrupted to say that the law is being proposed to allow the formation of the Association of Plumbers so that they are officially recognised.
On the other hand, Minister of Environment, Fa’amoetauloa Dr. Faale Tumali’i, defended PUMA saying “PUMA helps to protect members of the public from developments being carried out near their homes recklessly. “In terms of businesses and the like. So PUMA’s law is very useful for the benefit of the general public.” But Palusalue was not impressed.
“The only reason why I raised this matter is because of the burden on the country,” he said.
“This is adding more weight to people who are suffering already. There are carpenters who can fix a small broken pipe, there are carpenters who can fix a broken toilet. There is no need for a registered plumber to do that.”
At that point, the Minister of Finance, Faumuina Tiatia Liuga, took the floor.
“That’s his usual rant,” he said about Palusalue’s complaint about the burden on members of the public. Faumuina, however, assured that members of the public will not pay for the formation of the society. “There are only two organisations where the government assists through what’s called Community Service Obligations (CSO).
<!-- 300 x 600 - Large Skyscaper -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:inline-block;width:300px;height:600px"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-9419815128221199"
data-ad-slot="6181566413"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>{/googleAds}
“Such money is put aside for people with poor incomes. In terms of the government’s plan in relation to this law, we are not trying to add a burden to be carried by the country. Members of the public will not pay for the formation of the society of Plumbers.”
Not so, said Palusalue. “Mr. Speaker, there is a big difference between CSOs and what I’m talking about.
“Plumbing your house is not paid through C.S.O, it comes from the pocket of the taxpayers. Plumbers will pay money to register, if members of the public apply for a permit, they will have to pay money. Who will carry this burden? It will only add to the already expensive cost of living.” Minister Faumuina fired back saying Palusalue is “sick.”
“Mr. Speaker, the problem with the leader of the Opposition is that he is sick, it’s perhaps why his opinion is like this. What he is talking about is already happening today.
“Whether there is a society or no society of plumbers, people are still paying for things that are done inside their homes. There is nothing to be added, there are already permits by PUMA, the Ministry of Works and the Samoa Water Authority. So there will be no additional cost.”
When Palusalue tried to respond, Speaker La’auli attempted to stop him. “The Minister has responded and that’s the government’s response.”
But he wouldn't budge. Said Palusalue: “You are only making people suffer. The cost of projects will only become more expensive.
“Never mind the government and their 15 storey building because they are (playing with) public money. But let’s be reminded here that even CSO does not fall from the sky, it is taxpayers’ money. It’s not free. It’s the country’s sweat.” Deputy Prime Minister, Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo interjected. “Perhaps he is not clear about the bill,” Fonotoe said about Palusalue.
“There is already a Society for Plumbers registered with the registry of Societies 1952. This is a continuation of their programme.” According to Fonotoe, the bill is the result of consultations with qualified plumbers who are of the view that there have been so many complaints from members of the public about the poor standards of the work being done.
“That is what’s given rise to this law,” Fonotoe said. “The law is to register plumbers with qualifications to carry out plumbing work so that the work will last. If it lasts, then people don't have to spend much money in fixing one thing after another every month.” But Palusalue wouldn't keep quiet.
“You are talking about big projects with big companies,” he said. “I’m talking about small jobs like fixing a small pipe... we don't need registered plumbers to do that. I can do it, and so can a kid when he’s given instructions. That's the reality of life in the villages.”
The second reading of the bill in question was passed.
<!-- samoa_observer.ws -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:inline-block;width:336px;height:280px"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-9419815128221199"
data-ad-slot="5306335075"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>{/googleAds}