Eighteen Districts Sign Phase One of the $1m Village Development Project

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 28 MAY 2021: Out of the 51 electoral constituencies in Samoa, 18 signed the agreement last Friday for Phase I for the Government’s $1 million Tala District Development Project.

The Minister for Finance, Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molio’o acknowledged that the signing with the 18 district’s Development Committees finally kicked off project despite the criticisms and hurdles it confronted when it was first announced in the FAST Party’s election Manifesto.

“Preparation for the District Development Project went through many hurdles especially in developing the proper strategy and conditions set by the Government to ensure all 51 districts are catered for,” said Mulipola.

She said the main goal of the project is to better and upgrade human and social development for everyone, “and what better area to start from than within our own districts in utilizing their own time, skills, strength and environment,” she told the village committees.

The First Phase involves the allocation of $200,000 tala to each of the 51 constituencies to set-up district offices, district councils and permanent staff.

Representatives of Alataua West signing on behalf of the committee.

The 18 districts that signed and received their funds on Friday are to report back to the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development (MWCSD) at the end of July.

“There will be 3 other agreements to be signed for the ST$1 million when the time comes to implement Phase 2.”

$51 million to fund Phase2 of the project is included in the new budget to be tabled next week.

Mulipola said presenting the funds directly to districts with an agreement is a new strategy and the Government has placed trust on the district committees to implement and manage their own projects.

Once a district has set up office and appointed a council, the MWCSD will inspect the setup before processing the release of the ST$1 million for individual village based projects will proceed.

Mulipola also urged the districts to start discussion with the Ministry on their guidelines and policies set down for their district development projects.

A new beginning for districts
Of the 18 district who have signed, 8 were from Savaii and 10 Upolu.

The Savaii representatives were given the opportunity first as they had to catch the ferry, but not before they voiced their gratitude and appreciation to the Government.

The Alataua West Committee Deputy Chairman, Ta’aititi Manaia believe there is a time for everything.

“A lot has been said about this project and that it will never happen, but now the unbelievers have seen it,” he said.

The Minister of Finance and the team in charge of the allocation of funds under the $1 million Districts Development Project from the Ministry of Finance & Ministry of Women Community & Social Development.

Faasalelelaga 3 representatives believed this project should not be tied down to any political convictions but consider the benefits it brings to all the people of the districts.

Faleata 2 Deputy Chair, Mua’ausā Fiona Uili was also grateful to see the project finally implemented and their committee will now work on setting up what is needed.

Mulipola urged all the districts to support the project as it is for their own benefits.

The project aims to encourage district developments in areas such as agriculture, fisheries, conservation, tourism and small businesses in order to reduce poverty and improve human and social development for all.

Other than reporting back to the Ministry how the funds are expended, the project will also provide training for village committees to properly manage their village based development projects for their own benefit.