$51m for Districts Development Program outlayed in new budget

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 31 MAY 2022: Government’s Budget for 2022/2023 tabled in Parliament this morning includes $51million tala for its widely debated Districts Development Programme for the 51 electoral constituencies.

It is the FAST Government’s first full budget since taking office in July last year and the allocation is provided under the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development.

The Minister of Finance, Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioo said the Districts Development Programs overall aim is to inspire social harmony and inclusive growth for Samoa, through district developments utilizing community capacities, natural resources and environment. The Government focus is aligned with the Key Strategic Area 1 of the Pathway for the Development of Samoa to:

1. Alleviating hardship

2. Improved Public Health

3. Quality Education

4. People Empowerment and

5. Skilled Workforce

The Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development in close collaboration with all other government agencies, will work to ensure the sufficient support is provided to effectively carry out the proposed initiatives from districts.

“The Government aspires that this is a golden opportunity to enhance appropriate developments within all districts,” said Mulipola.

“We will continue the partnership with our development partners for capacity development for the Ministry in its supporting role for the implementation of the District Development Program and other community initiatives.”

The Budgets underlying theme is “Inspiring Growth through an inclusive and resilient recovery for Samoa”

The 2022/23 financial year’s Main Estimates is expected to record an overall deficit of approximately $174.9million tala or 3.5% of GDP. This is out of estimated Receipts at $789,906,085 and Expenditures at $964,835,276.

The deficit will be financed by Soft Term Financing of $1,303,441 and General Budget Support Financing of $84,457,562.

The Minster said the COVID-19 Pandemic and other health challenges, and the current war between Ukraine and Russia, is causing further increase in global fuel and import prices.

“We have witnessed the impact globally including our Pacific region, and Samoa is no different.

“For the current financial year, we are expecting a contraction of 3% due to the major impacts that I have outlined above, and projecting a 0.6% growth in the new FY2022/23.”

The Minister also acknowledged the continuous support and contributions Samoa’s development partners, the private sector and non-government organizations over the years.

“As a nation founded on God, we must work together as an ‘extended family’ for a more robust economy.

“Tomorrow, we commemorate 60 years since Samoa became an independent country! We must navigate together into the next 60 years in unity and in His trust!”

CLICK Budget Address 20222023 ENGLISH FOR BUDGET SPEECH AND DETAILS: