By Martha Taumata-Fa’avae
The newly sworn in Minister of Natural Resources and Environment has no immediate plans to make any new policy changes inside his Cabinet portfolio.
Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster is happy to continue with policies already set in place by the previous Government.
He did promise new changes to be revealed when they are ready.
Many of the undertakings made during the week are mainly climate change oriented intended to create much need awareness in the villages for safety during the bad weather spell.
Samoa is already into its cyclone season from this month of November up to April next year.
Safety preparatory work like clearing waterways around Apia and in more populated urban village surroundings are on the move.
The vulnerable areas that are getting priority attention are Lepea, Sinamoga and Moamoa-fou on the western side of Apia, Leone and Lelata among others on the eastern side.
The National Emergency Organising Committee, NEOC, is coordinating the preparations for bad weather, knowing that a possible cyclone is forecast for Samoa during the period.
Much of the cause for concern during this cyclone season is the heavy rainfall forecast for Samoa.
But while the MNRE is keeping with the old Government policies, Cabinet has approved another split up for the police traffic duties.
Traffic responsibilities were formerly under the Land Transport Authority before they were re-assigned back to the Ministry of Police.
The FAST Government has decided to keep the policing of the road to the Ministry of Police under the new changes approved during the week.
The registration of vehicles and taking charge of parking meters around Apia reverts back to the LTA.
The new changes will come into effect next month from December to January.
“Vehicle registrations and parking meters are more on the LTA side whereas manning traffic and the roads are suited to the core duties for the police,” Works Minister Olo Fiti Vaai explained.
The LTA comes under his ministerial portfolio.