Unfenced cattle trouble residents

By Ilia L. Likou 26 May 2016, 12:00AM

 Cows wandering freely along the roads have become a headache for residents and businesses in the Vaitele Industrial Zone.

Tavita Vao told Samoa Observer that cows have been wandering on the road and through business properties for months now destroying fences, lawns and gardens.

“I think people around here are very frustrated and regard them as a ‘health hazard,” he said.

“The smell of urine and faeces is unpleasant for residents and businesses owners; this is not healthy at all,

“I live here and these cows are just wandering on the road like human beings.”

“From  last year, the cows were only out for a few days a week, but now, the cows are out on the road for days on end.

He said that many complaints have been made to the Ministry of Natural Resources however; it appears that the Ministry is unwilling to help.

“We are helpless, “he says.

“My family contacted the Ministry of Natural Resources last year about these cows and it seems they did nothing about the ongoing problem.

“And if they, (M.N.R.E.) have already appealed to the owners not to let the cows wander around in the area, then perhaps they should get rid of these cows.

“Letting them roam around freely also causes traffic problems.

A taxi driver, Luatasi Lolomi said that there shouldn’t be any cattle farms in the area.

“These cows put people’s lives at risk because, as drivers, we don’t expect to see cows because this is not an area for cattle farms,” he said.

“I often drive here and there are always cows crossing the road. They should be kept in a fenced piece of land. 

“In the past, we have seen a lot of accidents caused by cows which cross the roads on their own.”

Attempts to contact the owner of the cows were unsuccessful.

However, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the M.N.R.E, Safuta Toelau Iulio said that no complaints or any records were lodged about the cattle.

“They have every right to complain about this issue and they’re absolutely right,” he said.

“The area there is for businesses and residences but not for cattle farms,

“We’re going to look into this matter and act as soon as possible.” 

By Ilia L. Likou 26 May 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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