The retail outlet Farmer Joe at Fugalei has taken it upon themselves to clear debris and rubbish under a bridge next to the shop.

The flash floods in recent weeks have taken left behind a toll of waste pollution in the form of plastic bags and logs at risk of clogging the waterway beneath the bridge.

Store manager, AJ Cowley, told the Samoa Observer via email that a Government Ministry has responsibility to clear Apia’s drainage systems.

But he said that the Ministry could be caught up with its other responsibilities, which is why the shop has decided to take it upon themselves to clear the waterway.

"It's an obvious congestion point now around that area from all bits and pieces being collected from upstream, " he said. 

"We acknowledge also that the department that looks after this area has also been around to have a look and is working towards clearing this.

"However, we understand that at this point in time they also have their hands full with various other issues that they are attending to in an order of tasks that they are working through."

Consequently, the business used their own equipment to clear the waterway beneath the bridge, Mr. Cowley said.

"With this in mind, we are trying to clear this ourselves, to which we are mobilizing some of our machinery as we speak today (Tuesday) to help clear the congestion and materials gathered around the bridge area," he said.

The Samoa Observer contacted the Samoan Land Transport Authority (L.T.A.) for comment, as they have responsibility for waterways beneath bridges. An L.T.A. official said they will have it cleared after contacting contractors.