DPW only certifying small projects in absence of certified surveyor

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Department of Public Works is still “certifying small” survey projects in the absence of the manager of the Survey Division, Leota Mapesone Laulu the only certified surveyor at the Department.

This was confirmed by acting director of Public Works, Fa’alavai Taase during an interview with Samoa News.

Last month the acting manager of the Survey Division Sione Amosa testified before the Senate that Leota is the manager and is currently off island.

Adding that he himself is not a “certified” surveyor but has been working for the Department for over 20 years.

Land surveyors measure and map the boundaries of land. They gather data for civil engineering and construction projects so that accurate site plans can be drawn.

Concerns have come up about the absence of the certified surveyor to approve surveys submitted for projects since the acting manager is not a certified surveyor.

Acting director Falava’i Taase said Amosa is overseeing the office, given his vast knowledge and experience as a surveyor in their division, but all the surveys for proposed projects are signed by him.

Asked whether he’s a certified surveyor, Falava’i said he’s not.

 “But in his capacity as Deputy Director and now Acting Director he can sign off on it. As this is an internal policy, not a statute,” explained Falava’i.

“Amosa’s situation is similar to a lawyer who has not taken his bar exam to become a full fledged member of the bar. And while he (Amosa) does not have certification to register as a surveyor, but he’s one of their longest surveyor at the Department.”

Falava’i said, the process is — a private land surveyor conducts the survey and it is certified by the Survey Division.

He further explained in the absence of Leota, the only projects they are taking on to be certified at the moment are for “plot plans” for loan projects, but other “big projects” are not being processed until Leota returns.

 “That is why we are only allowing small projects because we need Leota to certify these surveys.

“We are only doing plot plans to assist the public especially families that have applied for the DBAS (Development Bank of American Samoa) MAOTA Affordable Loan Project.

“We’re doing it in a way to help the public, so instead of having the surveys signed by a certified surveyor, I’m signing it as the Acting Director for the Department.”

When put to the Acting Director the concern is these surveys are submitted by certified land surveyors, yet they are being endorsed and checked by “uncertified” surveyors, Falava’i said there are now “laws” that outline “only certified” surveyors that work for the Government can certify the surveys submitted.

 “As far as I know this is only a policy put in place to ensure the surveys for proposed projects can proceed having met all safety requirements, there is also the issue of liability hence the need for a survey.

 “The reality is every survey should be endorsed by a qualified land surveyor at the Department, but given our unique situation and limited staff as having only one registered land surveyor, we have to do it. It is our obligation to the public, otherwise these projects will be put on hold,” explained Falava’i.

Regarding the “big projects” Falava’i said there is another private land surveyor on island, Faafetai Wells and he can endorse and sign off the surveys as the Department is only taking on “small projects.”

According to the acting director, it’s unclear at the moment when Leota will return to American Samoa as he’s away for medical reasons.