If it’s a good development for Upolu, it should also be good for Savai’i.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio, has conveyed his request to the Ministry of Health for the construction of a District Hospital for the Gagaemauga #1 constituency, which includes the villages of Samalaeulu, Patamea, Mauga, and Saleaula.
The goal is to ensure timely, accessible, and nearby medical support for residents of this part of Savai’i, particularly during emergencies or serious illnesses that require urgent treatment.
There was previously a District Hospital located in the village of Samalaeulu, but it has long fallen into disrepair and is no longer in use.
Last week, the Minister of Health, Valasi Luapitofanua To’ogamaga Tafito Selesele, along with the Ministry’s executive team, visited the proposed site together with the Deputy Prime Minister—who is also the MP for Gagaemauga #1—and matai (chiefs) from the constituency.
The proposed site is two acres in size and was offered by a matai of Samalaeulu to support the development of this long-term project.
Valasi told Savali during the visit that the time has come to build a District Hospital for Gagaemauga #1. The purpose of the visit was to consult with the constituency and discuss various approaches and long-term planning to realise this important initiative.
The Ministry is now reviewing and continuing discussions on this crucial request and is seeking support from Samoa’s international development partners to ensure the project can proceed swiftly.
It’s worth noting that Gagaemauga #1 is not the only constituency requesting a District Hospital. For the past two weeks, the Minister and officials from the Health Ministry have been touring other constituencies where similar requests have been submitted by their MPs, inspecting proposed sites for the possible establishment of this vital service once plans are finalised.
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the Minister’s visit, noting that the meeting also involved discussions on additional ways the constituency could support the Ministry’s efforts.
This article was originally published by Savali Newspaper on its FB page in Sāmoan and has been republished with permission.
