Village bans building of pigsties on sea

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 31 October 2018, 12:00AM

The village council of Matautu, Falelatai has banned the building of pigsties on the sea.

The decision follows the conclusion of their monthly meeting that was held last Saturday. 

Village council chairman, Nanai Moemai Nanai, told the Samoa Observer that the decision came about when the Ministry of Health visited them regarding health risks associated with building pigsties on the sea or close to the sea.

“We have always considered the health risks of having a pigsty on the ocean,” Nanai said. 

“We have to keep it clean and especially the smell of the pigsty hence why the village council has decided to enforce this on every family of the village.”

“This doesn’t mean each family cannot build a pigsty, they can but they have to make sure that they keep it clean all the time, as well as making sure it does not generate a bad smell because we know that it can really affect the way people live – if the sty is not well looked after.”

According to the senior untitled men of the Lupematasila family, Afioga Tutasi, the council had already settled on the punishment to be put to any family, who is caught building a pigsty on the sea.

“The family and the matai of that particular family will be banned from the village if they are caught building a pigsty on the sea,” he told this newspaper. 

“Each family is allowed to have pigsties, but they have to build it inland not on the sea, as this will not only have an impact on the people but also the marine life.”

Mr. Tutasi praised the initiative because it would ensure their sustainable marine life and a healthier surrounding.

“It’s good because we are supporting the Ministry of Health’s initiative of keeping Samoa clean and healthy.”

“This is not for the council’s benefit, but rather everyone and as entitled men; we are here to support our village, especially our Government by working together to ensure we have a healthy and safe Samoa.”

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 31 October 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>