23 Apr 2020

US govt redirects funding to repair ferry in American Samoa

6:12 am on 23 April 2020

The US government has redirected $US1.6 million in funding for emergency repairs to a ferry in American Samoa.

Pago Pago Harbour, American Samoa

Pago Pago Harbour, American Samoa Photo: AFP / Michael Runkel / Robert Harding Premium

The MV Manu'atele, which is one of the main links between the capital and the Manu'a islands, was badly damaged in a storm in January.

The interior department's assistant secretary, Douglas Domenech, said the ferry was vital for transporting goods and people for work and school.

The ferry will be repaired in Hawai'i, with work expected to be finished by summer.

The funding is to be redirected from existing capital improvement funds.