Former electoral commissioner, Malietau Malietoa, says his family’s opposition to the proposed Alaoa multi-purpose dam could be the reason he is being investigated.

Speaking in an interview with E.T. Live using their Facebook page, Malietau said his constitutional rights demand that he is notified if he is under an investigation by the Police. 

 “The sad thing is I got the news from one of our reporters here in Samoa that I am being investigated but I know that I have the constitutional rights to know if I’m being investigated or not. Except for this morning, when I just received a letter from the Attorney General that I am being investigated,” he said.

He was advised not to leave the country on February 14 this year, as the investigations by the Police get underway.

Malietau said he cannot think of any other issue that would warrant an investigation by the authorities, except for the Alaoa multi-purpose dam, which he and his family oppose due to the “impact” it could have on their lands and family valuables (Measina).

He said he first raised his family’s concerns in relation to the proposed dam when he was the electoral commissioner, when their concerns focused on their lands and compensation. 

There were discussions on compensation for the land which would be given to the project, during community consultations led by the Electric Power Corporation. Feedback from the residents point to concerns over the impact that the project will have on their wellbeing, and the risks that it could pose if the dam collapsed

Attempts by the Samoa Observer to get confirmation from the Police that it is indeed investigating the former electoral commissioner were unsuccessful.