The Associate Minister of Works Transport and Infrastructure, Seiuli Ueligitone Seuli, has refuted reports that work at the proposed Ti’avea airport is on halt.

Speaking to the Sunday Samoan, the Associate Minister said he visited the construction site last Wednesday and work is ongoing at the project site.  

He said if there is to be any delay to the project it will be the bad weather. 

“I was there for inspection and they were continuing with earth work. I assume if there is any delay, it could be caused by the rain and bad weather, but other than that the villagers are not disrupting works there and have already agreed on payment for the use of the land,” Seiuli said.

According to the Associate Minister, the agreed price is $30 tala per square meter for the land to build the proposed airport, as opposed to $60 per square meter that the villagers were pushing for.  

“The payment has not been made yet. It is being processed and the cheques for each family will be ready soon,” he added. 

Seiuli said there are about 10 families who will receive payment for the use of the land while adding that the land is covered with coconut plantation and grass. 

Aldan Civil Engineering Company Ltd is the contractor for the Ti’avea airport project. The company was awarded the $3.57 million tala contract for its earthmoving work and clearing of the land. The work started late last year.