Manua, Samoa,

may soon get a better deal

American Samoa’s three “poor sister” islands to the east of

Tutuila, the territory’s main

island, could see some major de velopments in the near future.

That is, if the territory’s Legisla

ture approves even half of the many improvements recom mended for the three islands

(known collectively as Manua)

by a Legislative team.

The most interesting recommenda tion was that Manua be brought into American Samoa’s tourist pro gramme and that a small airstrip be built on Tau, the biggest island of the three. (The territory has no internal air services at present, though it has an excellent jet airport at Tafuna on Tutuila. An airstrip at Tau would therefore mean the beginning of an internal airservice for American Samoa.) Other proposals included a 5U573,000 water system for Manua villages, the upgrading of Manua’s roads, a SUS3O,OOO wharf survey and auxiliary mooring project, a channel-blasting operation for better harbour facilities and the installation of electricity services by next year.

Priority

Better shipping servces from Tutuila Island to Manua’s three islands—Tau, Olosega and Ofu— were tabbed a “priority”.

The members also requested that the trader Manusina be used between Tutuila and Manua when another trader, Lady Saili, was not operating.

They further requested that the Manusina’s fares be pegged and be paid to the Government of American Samoa.

The team made four resolutions to Samoa’s House of Representatives: workers should be recruited from Tau village to take over manual and ground work currently done by Tau High School students; three motor launches should be bought for Manua; the Bank of American Samoa should provide banking services on Manua (Manuans at present have to travel to Tutuila for deposits and with drawals or to apply for loans); and the Governor should investigate the possibilities of an airstrip on either Tau or Manua.