Lauli’i elder urges government to build seawall

By Fetalai Tuilulu’u 31 March 2017, 12:00AM

An elderly man from Lauli’i has urged the government to pay attention and fix their seawall to protect them from rising sea level.

Toni Sū Namulauli’i, 75 from the village of Lauli’i, made the call when he caught up with the Village Voice team yesterday.

 “To me, all the developments are for the betterment of our country,” he said. 

“We have nice roads now. We’ve got better school buildings, hospitals, airports and other things.

“However, the government has missed out one important thing. This is to continue on building our seawall. 

“This has major social and economic implications for us.”

At Lauli’i, Toni lives to tell the story of sea level rise.

“It’s getting worse every day,” he said.

“The tides are getting stronger, the coast is eroding and this is why we need a proper seawall.

“Coastal vulnerability is a real issue for us and this is why I am concerned.

 “This is why; I am urging the government to please fix our seawall because I know it will at least give us peace of mind.”

The elderly father said everyday is a worrying experience.

 “You see the rising of the sea level could cause a tsunami and we’re so concerned because we live near the sea.

“A seawall is a straight forward solution to coastal erosion and its effectiveness is visually obvious. 

“The main problem is that the land is being washed away, particularly on our beach.”

Toni said he is afraid of what could happen if the problem is not fixed.

“To be honest, people are tired of hearing what’s good for Apia is good for villages,” he said. 

“Why can’t the government be the men of their words to do the same?

“I know we have a lot of people helping our country out by offering money. Can they just at least waste another $20,000 to fix our seawall because this is our lives and land we’re talking about.”

He added that the Village has already asked the government for help.

“I don’t know why they haven’t fixed it yet, but I remember the time they fixed the Apia seawall it was our sand they used. 

“They bought our sand for only $5 to fix the Apia seawall. I wish they would at least return the favor.”

By Fetalai Tuilulu’u 31 March 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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