By Tupuola Terry Tavita

Aleipata will be the next big city rivaling the capital Apia.

This is the vision, said Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegoai this week.

“The wharf has been built there and an airport for Aleipata is in the pipeline.

“It is not a question of if. It’s a question of when Aleipata will be Samoa’s next big port city. It will happen. In fact, if we had the money right now we will build everything we need today. There is no point leaving it tomorrow when it is cheaper to build it today.�?

Tuilaepa pointed out that Aleipata’s attraction is its world class beaches and offshore islands that will become a boon for tourism investment. Being the closest point also to American Samoa will set it up as the trading hub with the US territory.

“What American Samoa needs to do is build a similar wharf at Leone or Fagasa which will then be a direct run from Aleipata instead of going around to the other side where Pago Pago Harbour is located. Saves up to two hours of sea travel.

“Leone could also be the next big hub for Pago if they start working on that wharf. Both developments will be very good for export, general business and tourism for both Samoas.�?

The Prime Minister defended a recent move by the Samoa Shipping Corporation to scale down the weekly ferry trip between Apia and Pago Pago to a fortnightly one. This has allowed the Lady Naomi boat to undertake scheduled trips to the Nothern Cooks groups Puka Puka, Penrhyn and Nassau, the Prime Minister said.

“Samoa Shipping operates as a business. Obviously there is a demand to service the Northern Cooks as it is much closer to Apia than their capital Rarotonga.

“Ferry Services and sea plane travel from here to those islands are not new. That was the norm when both Samoa and the Cook Islands were administered by New Zealand.�?

“And it doesn’t mean we’re neglecting services to American Samoa. Samoa Shipping with its increasing fleet of boats is capably juggling both routes as well as routine charter services to the Manu’a group.�?

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