Opposition Leader Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi has demanded that Aviation Minister, Olo Fiti Va'ai provide a detailed breakdown of the expenditure related to the $25 million Faleolo Regional Terminal. 

Tuilaepa emphasised the need for transparency, urging the Minister to account for the taxpayers' money spent on the project amid growing concerns over its hefty price tag. 

"The Minister owes it to the people of Samoa, the taxpayers, to explain how this money was spent," Tuilaepa asserted. 

He expressed scepticism about the project’s costs, arguing that the $25 million investment requires thorough justification. 

The opposition leader further pressed Olo to clarify the financial details surrounding the recent landing of an empty Fiji Airways Boeing 737 at the terminal during its official launch last month, ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (C.H.O.G.M.).

"He can't fool us with his explanation," Tuilaepa declared, indicating his resolve to hold the government accountable. 

"It was embarrassing to see that they opened it for C.H.O.G.M. but was never used during C.H.O.G.M. as it was flooded. 

"They need to explain how the aircraft was paid for and how the money was used. Because this is an odd contract, and some experts have raised concerns about how the payment for the aircraft was made through the contract."

The opposition leader suggested that if US$200,000 was indeed spent on the empty aircraft merely for a ceremonial landing and for "taking photos" this could amount to “a waste of half a million tala” that ultimately belongs to the taxpayers.

“They can easily put that money in the initial payment for the contract. Who knows? Some things just don't add up.” 

He challenged Olo to provide a more sensible explanation, warning that without clarity, the public would continue to question who truly benefits from such deals and projects. "Whose pockets are getting fatter from this money? That is why he needs to come forward," Tuilaepa added.

In an interview with the Government newspaper, Minister Olo Fiti Va'ai defended the terminal’s price tag, stating it was "fully funded by the Samoa Aviation Authority (S.A.A.)." 

He dismissed the criticisms, arguing that the costs associated with the terminal included financing for both the terminal and the necessary apron runway. “The apron cost is in the neighbourhood of over $9 million,” Olo explained in an interview with the government newspaper Savali. “The apron meets all the safety aviation international requirements and will ensure the safety of the travelling public at all times.” 

He reiterated that the terminal building accounted for the remainder of the total project cost.

As the driving force behind the Faleolo Regional Airport Project, Olo characterised the terminal as an investment that would not only bolster the Airport Authority’s revenues but also enhance tourism revenues for the government and the nation as a whole. 

"This project signifies a long-term commitment to improving our infrastructure while promoting economic growth," he stated.