Martha Taumata Faavae.
Former minister of Commerce Industry and Labour MCIL Lautafi Selafi Purcell is raising issues over the decision by the new government to discontinue the construction of the new market at Sogi behind the TATTE Building.
The new market which was in the process of construction before the new government took over would have replaced the old market at the Savalalo Bus Depot.
Vendors at the Savalalo Market are now operating from the Fugalei Market while awaiting the completion of the new Fugalei based market.
When the Faatuatua I le Atua Samoa Ua Tasi FAST Government took over the area for the market had already been cleared and levelled.
Lautafi in an interview with Newsline Samoa pointed out that many of the costs have been paid out on the work already done.
He is concerned at how and whether this money could be recovered.
Lautafi is also concerned at whether the design of the Savalalo market and the size would be suitable for the needs of the users.
Lautafi has learnt that the new market would be built at its old site where the Bus Depot and the Fish Market are situated.
Lautafi explained the New Zealand government over discussions in building a new market said they would provide the funding and wanted to rebuild the market at its old site.
New Zealand government also wanted to design the building and determine its size.
With these requirements Samoa has no input at all into the new market he added.
Lautafi said Samoa argued for Samoa to determine the design and the size that is suitable to Samoa.
He said he objected to the design New Zealand provided for it would attract only the wealthy.
Also he explained that Samoa wanted a market that would have lots of spaces to accommodate a huge number of vendors and buyers.
People who were living on the land cleared for the new market have been relocated to Falelauniu.