Fono guesthouse reopens after undergoing renovation work
Lt. Governor Ipulasi Sunia was joined by District Governors Tufele Li'amatua and Gaoteote, Senate members, several faipule, and a handful of ASG department and agency directors this morning at the Fono Samoan fale to celebrate and witness the completion of a six-month renovation project that cost an estimated $80,000.
(Other Cabinet members, including Governor Togiola Tulafono, were on the other end of the island at the Tafuna International Airport for the official dedication of Runway 8/26).
The re-opening of the Fono guest fale was made official through a brief traditional celebration that included the 'ava ceremony and led by Maoputasi faipule Rep. Paopaoailua Joe Fiaui.
The renovation project saw the extensive use of the traditional 'afa which has been used to accent everything from the poles to the ceiling fixtures of the Samoan fale.
Anyone visiting the Fono guesthouse can witness the extraordinary result of hard and meticulous work as evidenced in details that include the careful wrapping the 'afa around the poles and the joints, in place of the more modern hinges, screws, and nails.
The end result is truly a remarkable site.
The work was carried out by a crew of six men led by head 'tufuga' Faleagafulu Filipo Tauai whom Senate President Lolo Moliga thanked for a job well done.
In his speech, Lolo expressed his gratitude to Governor Togiola and Lt. Governor Ipulasi and said that although money was tight, the Fono guestfale was slowly deteriorating and repair work needed to be carried out.
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