Ta’elefaga project ready to start

By Ilia L. Likou 14 January 2016, 12:00AM

A project to help the people of Taelefaga with the foul odour emanating from the hydro power plant in the area is scheduled to begin this month. 

This was confirmed by the Electric Power Corporation’s (E.P.C) Project Manager, Fonoti Perelini Fonoti.

 “There are things that need to be done first like leveling and clearing the road to make it easier for the project,” Fonoti told the Samoa Observer.

“Ninety nine percent of the tools and equipment (for the project) are here from overseas including equipment from Germany.”

Fonoti added that they want to make sure the project deals with the stench once and for all. 

He added that they are planning to meet with the Village Council as well as the district.

“I’m not sure when and where it will be held but we’ve got to see them (district) before this (project) starts.”

Fonoti said the job should be done by the end of March and the new system should improve the quality of water that is discharged to the ocean, thus preserving marine life.

“That’s the biggest goal,” he said. 

Fonoti said the government is keen to do the project well. And Prime Minister Tuilaepa is taking the lead.

“I was also asked by our Prime Minister for an update of the Ta’elefaga project yesterday and I explained everything to him.”

During a previous interview with Fonoti, he said King Construction Company has been awarded the contract.

The NZ$1.7million (T$2.8m) project will not only help Ta’elefaga villagers breathe easier, it is designed to protect the environment.

The name of the technology that would be used to fix the problem at Ta’elefaga is Aeration and Bubble Technology. Water aeration is the process of increasing the oxygen saturation of the water. 

It is often required in water bodies that suffer from anoxic conditions, usually caused by adjacent human activities such as sewage discharges, agricultural run-off, or over-baiting a fishing lake. 

Aeration can be achieved through the infusion of air into the bottom of the lake, lagoon or pond or by surface agitation from a fountain or spray-like device to allow for oxygen exchange at the surface and the release of noxious gasses such as carbon dioxide, methane or hydrogen sulfide.

Dissolved oxygen (DO) is a major contributor to water quality. 

Not only do fish and other aquatic animals need it, but oxygen breathing aerobic bacteria decompose organic matter. 

When oxygen concentrations become low, anoxic conditions may develop which can decrease the ability of the water body to support life.

By Ilia L. Likou 14 January 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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