Work on the Aleipata Itupa‑i‑Luga constituency's district office will finally begin following the identification of land in Lalomanu that will house the building.

The office building's location was confirmed by Situa Afioga, who is an official with the Aleipata Itupa‑i‑Luga district office.

Mr. Afioga told the Samoa Observer that the land was approved by the village council in Lalomanu, and they are now waiting for the funds to be drawn for work to start on clearing the land. 

The district office of the Aleipata Itupa‑i‑Luga constituency is currently run out of the Vailoa home of the current Member of Parliament, Fuaava Suluimalo Amataga.

The constituency is paying SAT$1,000 per month in rental for the use of the Member's house as work starts on constructing the new office, according to the district official Tofi Tolu. 

"We are paying Fuaava $1,000 a month but the office should be built once the land is secured," said Tofi.

The residents of the district are also supportive of the plan to erect office space for the district's committee and officials at the proposed building site. 

"It should also help to employ more people in the district," said local resident, Sue Lauoletolo of Saleaumua and Lalomanu. 

Another elderly resident of Lalomanu village, Fouini said hosting the new office should translate to employment opportunities for locals 

"I agree the office should create ideas and projects to employ people in the district," said Fouin.

Beach fale owners looking after a team of workers undertaking the excavation work in Lalomanu, such as Su'e Lauoletole, said they are excited to see work get underway. 

"The land looks nice. It would be so nice to see the office for the district," said Mrs. Lauoletole. 

Lalomanu also houses the police station and the district hospital. Therefore, it is no surprise that the village is open to hosting the district office which will be built on customary land. 

According to Mr. Afioga, the district has received funding to proceed with the building of the district office.

There will also be a launching of their community development projects, which he said will enable families to receive assistance for piggeries, poultry farming and for some the development of their crops. 

It is understood a survey was done at the three villages in the district with the survey-results pointing to Lalomanu village as the most productive in terms or plantations. 

"Every family in Lalomanu has a plantation, which means the boys and men are working the land. The other two villages need help with it," said Mr. Afioga. 

Asked when the office for the district will be built, the official said that once the land is cleared then work on the building will start. 

"Once the land is cleared, which is this weekend then the building will start. We hope to have an office by next month," he said.