The band-aid fix for the Fugalei road will continue as the Land Transport Authority says a permanent upgrade will take some time.

In the meantime, the road continues to get worse with the persistent flooding.

"We are keeping a close eye on it (the potholes) for now; we have to make sure they (contractors) fill it up so that the vehicle tyres don't get in," said LTA chief executive officer Sagauga Leilani Galuvao.

Sagauga discussed the challenges faced by the existing infrastructure. 

“The best we can do is constantly go and fill up with the cement," agreeing that it is the only job that can be done to cover up the potholes in the meantime.

"We can only do a band-aid fix for now, that is all we can do - is patch, " she said. 

When asked if LTA has a plan for the fixture of the potholes, Sagauga replied, "There is a plan. But first of all, we need to fix our drainages." 

“We cannot have roads without proper drainages,” she reiterated. 

The proposed plan comes after many years of disrepair, with local stakeholders and residents expressing frustration over insufficient action to resolve flooding issues. 

Sagauga acknowledged the flooding issue and that LTA had a partnership with families living further in the waterways to clear the drainage which she confirmed the families get paid to clear.

"We call it Komiti o Alavai, and we pay them monthly," said Sagauga. When asked how much the families receive, Sagauga did not know the exact figures. One family, however, reported to the Samoa Observer during the week of Christmas that they removed the rubbish from the drains as well as the local businesses without the help of LTA.

The CEO emphasised the necessity of a comprehensive approach to the problem, addressing road elevation and drainage issues. However, financial burdens play a major role. 

“Lifting the whole road up requires millions," she acknowledged, which is money the LTA doesn't have. Sagauga further stated that LTA is putting together a finalised design for the road works this year. 

"It's one of the things that's on my priority list. This year, well anyway, for the remaining two years of my contract."

Addressing the unanswered emails, Sagauga replied, "I was going to respond. But it's not that we don't know what to do with it. It is putting it into the work planning and funding cycle. Because it is not a small amount of money,"

Community concerns continue to mount as the roads worsen during the rainy period, commuters are seen dodging the potholes once again with many avoiding the road itself.