The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) revealed that residents in Toamua-uta are not yet part of the rubbish collection plan, as contractors Silva Group started clearing a mini-landfill that had formed in the area on Wednesday.

MNRE Chief Executive Officer Lealaisalanoa Frances Brown Reupena confirmed that the Ministry has taken action to address illegal dumping in the area.

She said that the illegal dumping site was first reported in March 2023 through a video submission that showed a vehicle dumping waste at the location. The footage included a visible registration number, allowing MNRE to confirm the vehicle owner through the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

The individual was called on by the MNRE for a meeting and was given one month to clean up the site before legal action would be taken. A subsequent inspection confirmed that the area had been cleared at the time.

However, in May 2025, residents again sought MNRE’s assistance after renewed dumping activity. According to Lealaisalanoa, inspectors advised families in the area to build designated rubbish stands for proper household waste disposal and to notify MNRE once completed.

Lealaisalanoa said MNRE has since received notice that the rubbish stands have been built and that the Ministry is now working to include these households in the formal waste collection route.

“The Ministry wishes to reassure the public that it takes this issue seriously and is committed to addressing illegal rubbish disposal across the country,” she said.

“The Ministry will continue to monitor the site and implement both preventive and corrective measures, including enforcement against offenders and improved waste collection services in the area,” she said. “We acknowledge and appreciate the public’s continued support in reporting these incidents.”

The Samoa Observer visited the Toamua-Uta site on Wednesday at 10:30 am, where MNRE employees were inspecting the area. Workers confirmed that waste removal would be carried out by contractors from the Silva Group, who were called in that same morning to assist.

The Silva Group said two of their 10-wheeler heavy-duty trucks were deployed to remove the rubbish after being contacted by MNRE. The trucks arrived later in the afternoon.

A resident, Polataivao Afoa Faavae, 71, who watched as the rubbish was being excavated, said, “It’s good that the rubbish has been removed. It’s now eliminating the smell for families living closer to it. The MNRE have cleared and levelled the area. They should create a rule around here so that no one dumps rubbish again.”

Another resident, Luani Faletiu, added, “It’s great they’re getting rid of the rubbish. It would be good if they put a tall fence around this area so that no one dumps rubbish here again.”