The government’s plan to transfer the management of roadside grass-cutting services to district offices (Fono Faavae) officially began on Tuesday, 7 April 2026.

The initiative is being led by the Land Transport Authority in partnership with the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development, which has commenced nationwide consultations.

The consultations opened with representatives from the Vaimauga district, covering Vaimauga 1, 2, 3, and 4. This was followed on 8 April by sessions with committees from Faleata and Sagaga districts.

On 9 April, representatives from Sagaga 4, Aana Alofi 1, 2, 3 and 4, Aiga i le Tai, Falelatai, and Samatau attended the consultations. The program continued on April 10 with Lefaga and Faleseela, Safata 1 and 2, Siumu, and Falealili 1 and 2, although attendance from some areas was reported as low.

The final Upolu sessions were held on Monday, 13 April, with participation from Lotofaga, Lepa, Aleipata Itupa i Luga, Aleipata Itupa i Lalo, Vaa o Fonoti, and Anoamaa 1 and 2, marking the conclusion of Upolu-based consultations.

The program then moved to Savai‘i on Tuesday, 14 April, beginning with Faasaleleaga districts 1 to 5. Representatives from district constitutional offices attended, along with the Chairperson of the Land Transport Authority Board, while LTA officials from Upolu also travelled to facilitate the session.

On Wednesday, 15 April, consultations continued in Savai‘i with the Fono Faavae and districts of Gagaemauga 1 and Gagaemauga 2, as well as Gagaifomauga 1, Gagaifomauga 2, and Gagaifomauga 3.

According to officials, the consultation program will continue into Thursday, 16 April, as part of the ongoing nationwide rollout.

The Land Transport Authority stated that the consultations aim to identify operational requirements and clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in the new arrangement.

Officials leading the sessions emphasised that roadside grass-cutting, previously managed by contractors, will now be carried out by Fono Faavae in an effort to improve service delivery at the community level.

While acknowledging the scale and challenges of the responsibility, officials said continued cooperation between the Fono Faavae, the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development, and the Land Transport Authority will be essential to ensure the program’s successful implementation.