Posted on February 7, 2017
Contractor McConnell Dowell will resume dredging of the Faleasao harbor in Manu’a maybe in April or May.
That’s according to Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Poumele who was responding to a question from Rep. Vailoata Amituana’i, about the status of the dredging in Manu’a to accommodate the MV Manuatele.
Vailoata said he learned from company officials that the dredging work they carried out in Faleasao was according to the scope of work given them.
The scope of work, according to officials familiar with the project, did not cover an area where the vessel would approach when entering Faleasao Harbor.
Questioned if there’s any plans to continue and complete dredging at Faleasao Harbor, Taimalelagi explained that she was just instructed by Governor Lolo to resume the work there.
She attributed the bad weather condition as the reason why the dredging was stopped.
The acting director said after 21 days of no work due to the weather, she stopped the project.
Taimalelagi went on to say that she met with officials of McConnell last week after the governor gave directions resume the dredging of Manu’a harbors.
Rep. Vailoata was concerned that millions of dollars have been spent on the MV Manu’atele but the Manu’a harbors are not ready for it.
The Ma’uputasi lawmaker also questioned the Acting Port Administration Director concerning the status of the Segaula boat.
Taimalelagi said the original plan was to base the boat in Manu’a to travel between Ofu and Ta’u islands.
But because Port lacks captains…there are only three for all ASG boats…they were not able to stick to that plan.
Taimalelagi says to help address this shortage, they plan to conduct training for young men to become captains.
Source: Talanei
