The Lapaha District Officer, Siosifa Jr Lamipeti, reported that his proposal for an urgent safety upgrade to a notorious road was turned down. 

Siosifa Jr Lamipeti

The request followed a recent fatality and an incident where a person was hit by a vehicle.  

He made the revelation yesterday after a vehicle crashed into a power pole, killing a passenger on the same road at Hahake’s Makaunga village.  

Lamipeti said he submitted his proposal to upgrade the road to the Ministry of Infrastructure, but it was rejected.  

He described the response from the Ministry as substandard (“ma’ulalo”). 

The Ministry could not be reached for comment.

Reporting yesterday’s fatality, he said that he was on the road in question last night and observed vehicles speeding there.  

He did not identify the road, but rather, he said it was notoriously known for its danger to commuters.  

He urged the residents to slow down when driving on the road and refrain from driving while under the influence of alcohol. 

Meanwhile, tribute flowed for Feke’ila Tukumoe’atu, who was killed in yesterday’s collision.  

Reports said Tukumoe’atu was a “tangata’eiki” (old man).

No details report about the Tukumoe’atu.

Police have yet to comment.

Lamipeti alleged alcohol and speeding might have been factors in the crash. 

“Rest in peace Fe’iloaki Tautuiaki”, a commenter road on Facebook. 

“Faka’ofa mo’oni”, another commenter road, saying it’s a pity that he died.  

Some commenters accused the driver, who was reported to be uninjured in the crash, of being responsible for the death of Tautuiaki.