The cost of the total damages to the roads around the country caused by the spate of heavy rain and flooding is yet to be disclosed by authorities despite many attempts to get a figure on what it will cost to repair all the roads.

In a continued effort to seek transparency regarding the total cost of recent road repairs in Samoa, the Samoa Observer has reached out to the Chief Executive Officer of Samoa's Land Transport Authority (L.T.A), Sagauga Leilani Galuvao, for a detailed account of the organisation's expenditures and ongoing projects. 

The inquiries specifically focused on the financial toll of the damages inflicted by unprecedented wet weather that had severely affected numerous roads across the island. In emails sent to Sagauga and her secretary, Grace Hanipale, the Samoa Observer posed questions regarding the total costs incurred by the LTA for repairing road fixtures, including road maintenance and drainage work, particularly on Fugalei Street and Taufusi. However, as of now, there has been no response from Sagauga.

The emails sent by the Samoa Observer on 15 January remain unanswered despite several follow-up communications and visits to her office, which have also received no response. The most recent emails sent to Sagauga were on 31 January.

The Samoa Observers inquiries aimed to shed light on the financial and operational responses by the LTA in the face of deteriorating infrastructure. Additionally, this newspaper sought updates on significant roadworks currently taking place on Fugalei Street, urging the CEO to provide the public with insights into the ongoing efforts by contractors and LTA personnel. 

Response was also sought on the availability of finance to fix roads nationwide.