9 Oct 2012

Tuilaepa favours Leone Bay for new inter-Samoa ferry link

2:40 pm on 9 October 2012

Samoa's Prime Minister has suggested American Samoa build a wharf at Leone Bay to reduce the travel time between Samoa and American Samoa.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi is in Pago Pago, holding inter-island talks with Governor Togiola Tulafono, for the first time since 2007.

Tuilaepa says having a wharf at Leone would reduce the travel time by boat from Aleipata wharf to American Samoa's main island of Tutuila by two hours.

He says the two leaders have also spoken about telecommunications.

"Communications with the outside world depend on appropriate outlets, through, cable, underwater or marine cable. Further communication through the satellite is no longer appropriate."

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi says good communication is important for disaster management as well.

Governor Tulafono says American Samoa has committed to building a cable between the two Samoas, in the next two to three years.