11 Aug 2012

Over 100 Samoan police officers fail removing villagers from disputed land

7:07 am on 11 August 2012

Matais of Satapuala village in Samoa have stopped a contingent of more than one hundred police officers from removing them from their land.

The officers came to provide security on the government Trust Estates land where a US funded district hospital will be constructed.

The contingent, led by Police Commissioner, Lilomaiava Fou Taioalo, was told by a village orator Vaili Mimita, to leave so the matter could be further discussed in a council meeting.

More than ten police vehicles were used in the operation to transport the police officers to the disputed land opposite Faleolo international airport

The Satapuala village orator, Vaili Mimita, says the police commissioner advised them the deadline for the US aid in constructing the hospital is the 17th of this month.

The Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, had recently said police will be providing security on the land after village matais chased away government land surveyors.