A multipurpose venue for Savai’i

By Sarafina Sanerivi 20 January 2016, 12:00AM

“What’s good for Upolu is also good for Savai’i.”

This was the idea behind the construction of a $518,000 multipurpose facility located between the villages of Sasina and Letui in Savai’i.

Faletui-o-aiga was an idea born after Usugafono Faletui’s constant visits to the country. 

 The 26-year-old from the village of Sasina and Letui moved to New Zealand when he was young to find a better future. 

 “I’ve seen that there was a need for this kind of business here in Savai’i,” he said. 

“And I thought I would start up a small business so that the people here in Savai’i can also have a taste of how exciting the night life is like in Apia, without them going all the way to Apia.” The Faletui-o-aiga venue is also available for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions and other special gatherings. 

“The idea is to cater for the needs of our people here in Savai’i,” he said. 

Usugafono said he wanted to give something back to his people. 

And with the opening of the multipurpose bar, it also opens the door for employment opportunities in the area.

“We have already started interviewing youths for the different kind of jobs we can offer here at Faletui. And we have had a lot of people coming in wanting to get the opportunity to work here because it is much closer to where they live.”

The business, he said, will also enable him to provide for his family living in Savai’i.

“I stay in New Zealand, but I come and visit my family a lot and with this business, I think I will be here most of the time to help run the business and help out my family here.”

The facility was opened on the 29 December 2015. The multipurpose bar is named after Usugafono’s father, Faletui.  “I owe everything to him and my family.” 

By Sarafina Sanerivi 20 January 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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