The Ministry of Finance says it is unaware of a $10 overnight parking fee reportedly being charged at the Mulifanua Ferry Terminal.

Tofilau Luamanuvae Lae Siliva, deputy CEO of the Ministry’s Policy Management Division, said the matter falls outside their jurisdiction.

“Can you ask SPA about that parking fee, as we are not aware of such a fee. The parking is still free at Mulifanua,” Tofilau said in an emailed response.

The Samoa Ports Authority (SPA) has not officially confirmed whether the fee has been approved by the revenue board.

Meanwhile, developments continue at the Mulifanua terminal, with ongoing maintenance and upgrades across the site. A new vehicle shelter has been constructed, which a contractor confirmed will be fitted with solar panels.

"We would have completed work a while ago, but we had to wait on equipment to arrive," he said.

The solar panels are believed to have an output of 240 volts, which will help power the electric vehicles (EV) charging station that has been installed at the shelter. The worker said two parking slots are expected to be designated specifically for EVs, while the remaining spaces will be for general vehicle use, "depending on what SPA wants to do with it."

It is also believed that SPA may introduce charges for vehicles parked overnight under the new shelter, similar to fees reportedly applied to vehicles parked near the main boarding area.

New restroom facilities at the terminal opened last week and are reported to be clean and well-maintained. The older toilet block has been barricaded with wooden planks.

Sooalo Kuresa Soolo confirmed with the Samoa Observer via email that an official press release from the authority would be released on Friday. 

"We are drafting a PR on our other developments there, including the new restroom block that was opened to the public last week, the EV charging station and carport and free WIFI." 

Samoa Observer can confirm that the free WIFI has yet to be installed.