Opposition Leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has questioned how much longer the people of Safata are expected to wait for the $10 million compensation linked to the sinking of the New Zealand naval vessel HMNZS Manawanui.

Speaking at his press conference, Tuilaepa took aim at recent comments by Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, who asked affected Safata residents to "be patient" while Government officials continue to verify accounts and documents before compensation is released. “The latest I have seen is to be patient, but my question is for how long? Be patient for how long?” Tuilaepa said.

More than one year and seven months after the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui, residents affected by the disaster are still waiting.

Tuilaepa said the people of Safata had already waited long enough, with many having gone through repeated processes, including checking bank accounts, using their own vehicles and paying for documents such as birth certificates. He said residents had already followed the instructions given to them, but were still being told to be patient.

“It is not easy for the people of Safata to keep going to the bank, using their cars, and paying for birth certificates,” he said.

“Our people are understanding people. If you tell them they will receive the money in 2030, then the people will understand, ” he said. “But if you tell them to go and check their bank accounts, and they go to check, and there is nothing, then what are they waiting for?”

Tuilaepa said the government should "be honest" with the affected residents rather than continue asking them to check their bank accounts. “Just be honest. Stop treating our people like this,” he said.

Tuilaepa said the issue had caused frustration among residents, especially after they were told to check their bank accounts but found no payment had been made. He said the Prime Minister's latest response had only raised more questions.

“They are saying to go and check, but the people are saying they have already gone so many times and there is nothing,” he said.

Tuilaepa also mentioned the Member of Parliament for Safata No. 2, Tuia Fuatogi Letoa, and said he had previously been vocal in pushing for the release of compensation to the affected families, but had now gone “cold” on the issue.

“Our humble request to the Prime Minister is to tell the truth,” he said.