The President of American Samoa's Senate, Lolo M. Moliga, has asked
the Development Bank of American Samoa to assist in securing special federal funds to help residents of Manu'a Islands relocate to higher ground.
Residents of Tau, Faleasao, Fitiuta, Ofu, Olosega and Sili villages want to relocate their homes to higher grounds to reduce damage caused by high winds and continual strong wave action.
Lolo says Manu'a residents have no access to funds for relocation and he has asked the bank to assit with providing a special funding account with the U.S. rural
development agency.
The bank president, Utu Abe Malae, says he is aware of the plight faced by Manu'a, especially those in Faleasao.
He says the bank will review the request and provide the necessary information to the Senate.
He says the bank would need the community's support in presenting its case to the federal agencies, when an application is submitted.
