Togiola says the Segaula is effective in serving the needs of Manu’a
While other candidates running for office have initiated campaign advertisements proposing the sale of the government-owned Segaula aircraft, Governor Togiola Tulafono believes otherwise, saying the airplane has been very effective in meeting the needs of the residents of the Manu’a Islands and therefore, should be kept.
Campaign advertisements have suggested that the Segaula be sold, with the proceeds going to help the private sector in operating the Manu’a route.
Togiola explained that when the Segaula was purchased a few years back, the intention was to secure an aircraft that could be used in emergency cases. And this, according to Togiola, has been the main focus all along.
He referred to the Segaula’s role in providing much needed transportation services between Tutuila and Manu’a over the past years during emergency medical evacuations, urgent situations, and other critical times when the ASG aircraft had to step up and provide services when Inter Island Airways was unavailable.
The Governor said the Segaula was even used to transport supplies for the school lunch program while ocean transportation was undergoing improvements. For these reasons, Togiola says the Segaula has been effective in meeting the needs of the Manu’a Islands and that is why the aircraft should be retained.
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