Samoa

Mana (Auckland), Volume 2, Issue 3, 4 May 1978, Page 7

Samoa

PRIME MINISTER TOLD WHAT WORRIES THE PEOPLE — BY THE PEOPLE An improvement in the economic life of the rural areas of Western Samoa . . .that is the economic miracle I guess Prime Minister Tupuola Efi would like

most to see in Western Samoa. And the improvement would have to be seen in everybody’.s lives, not just in one section. It would also be an improvement in all sectors of rual life; agriculture, education, health. With this in mind, members of the committee dealing with rural development and local government urged Tupuola to get out and meet the Pulenu’u (village mayors) and village leaders. These were the people directly involved in rural development. By going out into the villages for the meetings the Prime Minister would gain first hand knowledge of all the impediments facing the rural development programme. On January 16 Tupuola and various department heads went to Vaa-o-Fonoti district on Upolu. The chairman of the committee Tofa Toluono Lama, opened the meeting by explaining why the trip had been made. Tupuola then outlined his feelings on rural development in the particular district. He asked the Pulenu’u and others to indicate their problems encountered under the scheme.

All present welcomed the Prime Minister’s efforts, claiming that the scheme was the best formula for improving the lot of rural areas.

They pointed out that never before or since indpendence had the government shown, in black and white, their interest in rual villages. As far as they could recall, most of the money for development projects was poured into Apia and its nearby areas while neglecting the needs of the outlying areas. At any rate, the district

spokesman said, they would like their water supply improved. The district also wanted new rual roads in the area given first priority so that new. lands could be cleared. The department heads with the Prime Minister’s party were given the task of answering the particular questions raised. Over the following four days Tupuola visited the Uplu districts of Atua, Aana, aiga ile Tai and Tuamasaga. This trip achieved one notable 'first; it was the first time a Samoan Prime Minister had visited the rural areas in his official capacity as Prime Minister. Most of the people around Upolu have heard of the Prime Minister and seen pictures ofhim, but have not seen him in person. After each meeting in each district the Prime Minister and his party were advised by the district leaders that this kind of consultation should be encouraged and continued in the future. They also expressed pity that most of the development projects now in action emerged from cunsultation of overseas

experts and local experts based in Apia. The villagers were feeling left out. However Tupuola’s trip around Upolu changed that, and he was able to learn ideas not obtainable from an office in Apia. Not only this, but it also proved that it is always best the gauge the nations’ progress by consulting those who are the closest involved; that is the people. And from the people came the following main points: *ln supporting the rural development effort, the government is prepared to consult fully with the villages and districts. * That power be decentralised to a degree so that village leaders become full participants in the decisions * That the position of Pulenu’u was the recognised line of communications between the village and government * That economic improvement in the villages be based on the traditional institutions such as the matai system.