Sasina lands not for mortgage, assures M.P.
PR - Gagaifomauga No. 3 Member of Parliament, La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao is hoping that the two Sasina land leases will be used as a role model to ensure that land leases are executed for the benefit of the country.
He hopes the no mortgage clause in the two leases between Sasina and their respective investors from Hong Kong and Hawaii will set the pathway for future customary land leases and wipe away fears and speculations that customary lands are up for sale.
The comments were made as Sasina families in Savai’i are reaping the fruits of a new land lease agreement worth $250,000 a year.
The second annual payment was distributed last weekend from a second land lease agreement inked by the village council and a new generous investor from Hong Kong.
The new lease is for 100 acres of communal land will be utilized as a nonu plantation.