Finance Minister rubbishes allegations that Government is running out of funds

• The allegations have been circulating for some time and spread by certain Government employees saying the Government will run out of funds by April 2023. 

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 27 MARCH 2023: The Minister for Finance, Mulipola Anarosa Molio’o has rubbished allegations that the Government is running out of funds and that the government will be lucky to make it through April 2023.

Speaking to the media after signing $750,000 to five constituencies under the $1million dollar Development Project last week, Mulipola said there are ample funds available for the Government operations.

“How can we disburse funds for the $1 million district development project if there was no money?” asked Mulipola.

The allegations have been circulating for some time and spread by certain Government employees saying the Government will run out of funds by April 2023.

The recent emergence of a $2 million debt by the Ministry of Health to overseas pharmaceutical suppliers added to the belief that the allegations were true.

Mulipola said the delay in payments of pharmaceuticals is due to the Ministry providing correct paper work and when there are Treasury queries, they have to go back to the Ministry causing delays.

“But there is certainly money in there but the process needs to be completed,” said Mulipola. “Especially when paying a two million dollar bill.”

Mulipola emphasized to the media that there are ample funds for the Government to operate and that the Ministry of Finance is now preparing the budget for the new financial year that will tabled when parliament next meet at the end of May.