FOLLOWING WORK OPPORTUNITIES

So this is how the merry go round works. 

Samoans are unable to find work in Samoa with the majority of big building contracts going to the Chinese construction companies who bring in their own workers. 

One exception is the stunning Taumeasina Resort.

According to the hotel’s ambassador La’auli Michael Jones and others who have toured the near-finished buildings, the finishing work and general presentation is of a yet-to-be-seen standard in Samoa.

It doesn’t hurt that being built on an island, every room has water views.

It’s interesting that the management largely used local workers. And while there were whisperings at times of poor work ethics by the locals, the results speak for themselves.      

But why do the Chinese get so many of the contracts you ask? 

Because of low tenders (cheap labour, cheap materials) which locals claim, they cannot match.

Then there is also the matter of what the government “owes” them.   

There are other disgruntled accusations of substandard materials being used, over ordering so materials are on hand for the ‘next job’ and building standards not being followed to the letter, but that’s another story.

So too is the fact that these people brought in for a specific construction projects, often stay on.

And on, and on.

So when neighbouring NZ calls for carpenters and labourers to help rebuild in earthquake-stricken Christchurch, this sees our people flying south (leaving families behind) to gain much-needed employment.

Samoa Observer

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