A man on a mission

By Ilia L. Likou 02 March 2016, 12:00AM

Election candidate Tauamamanuvao Falani Mamea is a man of service.

And having spent a major part of his life serving people all over the world as a Youth With a Mission (Y.W.A.M) missionary, the Tufuiopa resident believes this is his time to serve his constituency at Tiafau.

Taua is contesting the Vaimauga West No. 2 seat currently occupied by Lefau Harry Schuster. The third candidate is Fa’aolesa Katopau Ainuu.

“If elected, I will give my all to my elected position and make sure the issues and concerns raised by my constituents are fully addressed in Parliament,” Taua tells the Samoa Observer.

The 54-year-old son of Mano Seumanutafa Lemamea of Apia and Lefaga and Rupina Faavaivaiomanu of Sapapali’i and Mulifanua said there are several issues he wants to improve.

“For Education, I’m looking at equal distribution of overseas funded teacher aids (Peace corps from Australia, Japan, America,) to our district primary schools,” he said. “This will not only meet the needs of today but it will encourage developing young minds for the future.”

Infrastructure is also a key part of his plan.

“Footpaths and walkways are essential to Apia town area, Tanugamanono, Maluafou, Aai O Niue, Vaivase-Tai, Vaivase-Uta, Lelata, Tanugamanono, Tufuiopa, Togafu’afu’a, Vaimea, Alamagoto, Malifa towards Tanugamanono, Papauta, Leone, Aai O Fiti, for the safety of our school children, locals and Tourists.  

“It also has considerable visual impact on the landscape and the environment.”

Speaking of roadworks, Taua says one of the biggest problems in Apia is drainage. And he wants to change that. 

“I want to establish proper drainages and water ways especially the Apia Town area, Apia village, Aai O Niue, Taufusi, Vaimea, Alamagoto, Togafuafua, Maluafou, Vaisigano, Aai O Fiti, Malolo Lelei and Afiamalu,” he said. “I also want to support the government of the day to complete the construction of the Leone/Maluafou Bridge and to construct water barriers to the Vaisigano River.”

Away from road works, Taua says electricity is too expensive and promises to propose a rooftop solar power system so residents can reduce their electricity bills.

He plans to support government’s fight against the big countries on climate change issues.

“I’m a strong advocate for the development of women in our district for equality and empowerment. 

“I want to advocate for programmes on craft-upskilling and introducing young women to new craft skills for the purpose of generating income for their families.”

The young people are also not lost on his radar.  

“I have plans to support and promote the development of youths in our district. These include the proposal of drug and alcohol rehibilitation programmes and centres and skill development and training programmes for unemployed youths.

“Another area is the development of mental health awareness in Samoa. I want to advocate for increased recognition by the government of mental health in Samoa.”

So why should people vote for Taua?  “I believe I can connect to the grassroots level community,” he said.  “I have a passion and I am a proud member of the Apia village in voicing and advocating the issues pertaining to the village and the district in order for them to live in peace, harmony and good health. 

“Being a person with strong beliefs that God will guide us all through fasting and prayers, he will answer to all our needs. I will continue to serve my country, my district, my village, my church and my family.”

From a family of six sisters and four brothers, Taua holds other matai titles such as Li’o from Sapapali’i and Taimalieutu from Matautu Lefaga.

By Ilia L. Likou 02 March 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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