Spitzenberg confirmed to Board of Registration for Professional Surveyors

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Senate on Monday unanimously confirmed one of three individuals appointed by Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga as members of the Board of Registration for Professional Surveyors.

Only William E. Spitzenberg appeared for the Senate Government Operations Committee confirmation hearing. The other two appointees, Faafetai Wells and Faipaua Mareko are reportedly off-island.

Senator Satele A. Lili’o stated that he has known Spitzenberg for a long time but is not familiar with his  knowledge in professional surveying.

However, Satele acknowledged his long service to the community in promoting a healthy lifestyle especially with the ongoing fitness program for the elderly.

He pointed out that Spitzenberg is always there to coordinate this important program for the good health of senior citizens, although he does it for free.

Senator Ponefua Tapeni who is a former employee of the American Samoa Power Authority, stated that Spitzenberg and the other two individuals appointed by the governor, were well respected staff members of ASPA recruited by the late Utu Abe Malae.

He revealed that they were instrumental in the successful implementation of many projects that ASPA took on and he declared his full endorsement of Spitzenberg’s appointment.

Senator Malaepule Saite Moliga stated that Spitzenberg’s skills as a qualified engineer made him the ideal candidate for the Board of Registration of Professional Surveyors.

Spitzenberg who is a member of the Sa Salanoa Family in Laulii was fully endorsed by Sua District senators Muagututi’a Tauoa and Togiola Tulafono, expressing their pride that a son of their district has been appointed by the governor to be a member of a government board of directors.

Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean voiced his concern on the stench from the Utulei Waste Treatment Plant in Utulei which he said had intensified lately and it was happening almost every day.

Spitzenberg explained that the problem stems from the greatly reduced amount of water used for the treatment process at the Utulei plant due to the sewer system being extended to Onesosopo.

He said he didn’t know the status of the equipment that ASPA recently installed to help reduce the stench but a better explanation could be provided by ASPA CEO Wallon Young.

Spitzenberg’s term as member of the Board of Registration for Professional Surveyors expires in January, 2027.