Mailo calls for help from relevant authorities

By Aruna Lolani 17 June 2017, 12:00AM

Mailo Peteru is not a happy man.

The 42-year-old was grumpy when the Village Voice came across him yesterday.

The source of his frustration is people who dump rubbish near his house.

 “This is a crime,” he said. 

“I don’t know what people think of us living here. This has always been the problem and I’ve had enough of it. 

“It’s not just my family affected, there are about six to seven families opposite this rubbish and we can’t take it anymore. 

“It’s not like we don’t monitor this area.”

The pile of rubbish he is complaining about stinks. What’s more, it is full of plastics and other objects harmful to the environment.

“We’re already set up a committee to look after this area every evening. 

“But we seriously don’t know when and what time people come and throw rubbish here. 

“I guess it’s midnight time but I still can’t believe it because we do have curfews around 11.”

The father said it’s a serious issue for most of the families around their area. 

 “It pollutes our environment and significantly reduces the cleanliness of Samoa.

 “As long as this rubbish is here, our community and our areas look dirty and uncared for. It’s unpleasant to live nearby.”

The single man said the smell is unbearable.

 “For me I don’t work but I do have a plantation right here,” he said  

“But I hardly come out to tend to it because of the situation. I guess you can smell it too 

“There are kitchen sinks, diapers, underwear, plastic stuff, power tools, bait fridges. You name it, I’ve seen it.

“I think people think ‘Out of sight, out of mind. 

“I don’t have kids but I have my nephews and small nieces who walk to school. It could cause health issues.” 

Mailo is disgusted by people’s total disregard for others.

“This rubbish will eventually end up in the sea and it will stay in the sea killing the fish we end up eating.

 “We try to remove as much as we possibly can but it is hard work as you can see. There is so much rubbish.”

He went on to say that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment should do something about the issue. 

“I know there’s a Ministry that is responsible for this kind of issue. 

“On behalf of our village and especially families around this area we want your help. We want and deserve a clean and safe environment.”

By Aruna Lolani 17 June 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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