NEW MP: Faimalotoa Kika Stowers

 

By Tupuola Terry Tavita

Three days after securing the Gagaifomauga No. 1 seat, Faimalotoa Kika Stowers is already pulling up the sleeves, ready to tackle critical development issues in her district.

“My close relative, the late Tuilo’a Anetele’a did a lot of good work, but there is still some that need to be done.”

Close to the former Broadcasting chief executive, is improving education and for the whole district to have broadband internet access.

“The fiber optic cable stops at Manase, which is a small village in our constituency. I want that cable to go right through Safotu. The only way we can improve the standard of education and academic achievement in the whole district is for every school, every student to have access to the internet. That is the only way education at Gagaifomauga No. 1 can be on par with the level of education available in Apia.

“All students should have equal access to the enormous amount of information available on the internet.

“If you have access to broadband, it also opens up the door to business and finance. Our hospital, electricity and water supply at the moment is alright.”
Safotu, she said, is also blessed with large tracts of arable land.

“There are opportunities to develop commercial farming and fishing industries. I would also like to see a major manufacturing company set up at Safotu. To provide our young people with employment opportunities that are not available at the moment.

But Faimalotoa remains realistic.

“I have a lot of work to do. You cannot depend on government to fund everything you want. You have to go out and entice foreign investors and the banks to come invest in your area. That is what I propose to do.

“There is also potential for tourism in our region. There are rainforests ideal for tramping, hiking and camping for adventure tourists and there are culture attractions like the Matavanu crater and the Dwarves caves at Paia. Safotu is also home to one of the oldest Catholic cathedrals in Samoa.”

At 64, this grandmother says she has all the energy to contribute to the estimated 5000 residents of Gagaifomauga No. 1.

Share This

About the author