Dear Editor,

Police performance

A phoned complaint about loud music during the day from cars, buses and other premises – no action.

A Letter to The Editor, hoping the police would pick it up – no action.

A letter hand-delivered to the police station addressed to the Commissioner – no action.

Loud noise, especially bass sounds are extremely dangerous, not only for the ears but also causes nervous disorders.  It can also cause outbreaks of violence!

Cars and buses continually run red lights to the extent that the drivers with a green light have to give way.  They must think that they are driving in Cairo.

Land Transport Authority

Street lighting throughout the Apia built-up area – appalling if any!

Street lighting floods properties instead of being directed to the roads.  Affecting home vegetable growth negatively.

Road markings – appalling, if any.  Contracts appear to be let annually, with the winning bid being applied with poor quality paint.  It lasts maybe six months.  The line markings on Beach Road, until resurfacing, had been there for some ten years or more.

Red Light Cameras – wonderful (maybe the police responsibility).  The drivers know that these are either not working or the judicial prosecution procedures have not been put in place.  Not a deterrent, a WASTE of money!

MNRE/PUMA

Inability of the department(S) to coordinate approval of the wind turbine farm at Afiamalu.  This farm would supply some eight megawatts of power.   Fully privately funded with upgrades to the south coast grid.  For the “Greenies”, the speed of the turbines is only two to three revolutions per minute, with one blade of the three painted black.  No danger to bird life!  With the current energy crisis and expected to continue, approval should be a priority!!!

Noise – no interest.

Electric Power Corporation

Upgrade of cash power meters.  When is this going to restart?  A reasonable percentage of the public is still forced to drive around looking for cash power outlets that actually have credit to enable them to issue a voucher.   Can we invoice the EPC for the petrol costs?

Government

Road signage and street numbering – STOPPED!

The responsibility of the cabinet established a task force with the MWTI, the MNRE, the Ministry of Finance, the LTA and others.

Ministry of Health

Shortage of medicine at the main and regional hospitals.

Shortages of blood in the blood bank.  I used to give blood every month until I was told it was not necessary and they would call me when needed.  Never received a call and I have “Universal Blood Type”.  Further, never even a cup of tea and a biscuit after donating to help rebuild the blood.  Help also to prevent dizziness immediately after donating.

The oxygen plant is regularly failing. The X-ray machine regularly requires replacement. No pathologist. Freezers in the morgue are not working. Shortage of bandages. Roof leaking in the main hospital. Air conditioning in the wards intermittent.

Dreadful pay for the doctors and nurses who carry the whole system.

I could go on but WHO CARES!!!

Charlie Mansfield