13 Aug 2009

American Samoa Senator plans to block ASPA price hikes

10:42 am on 13 August 2009

The Chairman of American Samoa's Senate Committee on the territory's power authority says he intends to block its plan to raise water, wastewater and garbage rates.

Senator Velega Savali says he will oppose the increases until the American Samoa Power Authority can satisfy the public that the increases are justified.

Mr Savali says ASPA should review its personnel budget and reduce costs on manpower instead of pushing the burden onto ratepayers.

He says ASPA cannot raise rates during tough economic times when the government is trying to reverse minimum wage hikes.

Velega Savali says ASPA's spending needs to be reined in.