16 Aug 2012

Samoa opposition calls on PM to meet protesting villagers

12:27 pm on 16 August 2012

The leader of Samoa's opposition party is urging prime minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, to meet locals in the villages of Magiagi and Satapuala to discuss land and electricity issues.

Palusalue Fa'apo II says meetings between the government and village councils have not included women or the youth.

He says the prime minister needs to hear the voice of all village members.

Matais of Magiagi have strongly rejected the cash power meters to be installed in family houses unless the government pays compensation for the use of their customary lands for a hydropower plant.

Satapuala on the other hand has stopped government land surveyors from measuring the ten acre block of Trust Estates land for the construction of a US- funded district hospital.

The disputed land is still under the scrutiny of the village but the US government is threatening to withdraw its aid by the end of this week because of the ongoing differences.