Samoa road switch date may be postponed

Around 2000 people protested in Apia over the 7 September deadline to switch to driving on the left side of the road. Photo / Apia Review Online, Cherelle Jackson

APIA, Samoa - Following a protest march this morning, which saw almost 2000 people participate, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Lupesoliaia Malielegaoi has promised to reconsider the date of the driving side switch.

Close to 2000 people participated in the protest march against the driving side road switch, which headed towards government building in the heart of Apia.

Protestors consisted mainly of the business community, bus owners, village high chiefs and former politicians.

Organised by People Against Switching Sides (PASS), the protest was staged as a final plea to the governmeent to delay the road switch from the 7th of September to a later day.

"I can see that this is important to you, that you have made your voices heard, that you want us to reconsider," Tuilaepa commented after meeting the protesters.

"I promise you this, the Cabinet will meet today to reevaluate the hard decision we had already made, so that you know that we, like you, also care," the Prime Minister said.

The response was met by applause as Tuilaepa who had previously publicly refused to acknowledge PASS, finally took notice.

He has promised to have a decision by the end of today.

- APIA REVIEW ONLINE