The village council of Afega in Samoa has announced its lifting a ban on the development of its land for economic benefit.
Photo: RNZ
The ban, which prevented people from running a shop or constructing a multi storey house, was put in place years ago by village matais who did not want to lease out their lands to businesses.
However, village council member, Taliaoa Viliamu, told a local radio station that the current village council wanted to create business opportunities for the people of Afega.
Mr Viliamu said a few matais opposed the lifting of the ban initially but they now support the decision after several meetings.
The ban will be officially lifted after a church service at the end of the month.
