7 Sep 2009

Lack of boat visits mean supply shortage in American Samoa's Manu'a islands

11:01 am on 7 September 2009

The Manu'a islands in American Samoa are nearly out of petrol and essentials such as rice and sugar are in short supply.

This is because there has not been a boat trip to the islands for nearly three weeks.

Tau shopkeepr, Ale Filoialii is hoping that the government will see fit to send a boat to Manu'a soon, to replenish gasoline and store supplies.

Ale who's also president of the Elementary and High school in Tau said that available school lunch supplies will only last one to two weeks.

He said freezers goods are also running low.

The government vessel the MV Sili is awaiting funding to become available before it goes on the slipway at MYD inc. for repairs.

The shipyard is demanding the government make a 50% deposit before the repairs get underway.