Three Opposition Districts sign $150,000 of the Million Tala Development Project

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 11 APRIL 2023: The Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition, Lauofo Pierre Lauofo was among three Opposition MPs who today signed the second instalment of funds for their constituencies under the 1 Million Tala District Development Project.

The constituencies were Anoama’a 2, Vaimauga 1 and Safata 1 who signed for the $150,000 instalment to fund their district office operations, salaries and allowances for three staff and 13 district committee members.

The Falelatai & Samatau constituency was also approved but did not sign today as their MP and committee chairman is overseas.

The four districts have completed their audited reports on the expenditure of the first $200,000 instalment to build their district council offices and satisfy the projects guidelines.

The Minister for Women, Community & Social Development (MWCSD) which the project is under Leota Laki Lamositele Sio asked the districts representatives to note that the funds will be in their accounts after 5 working days from the day of signing.

Opposition MPs Leaana Posini of Safata 1, Sulamanaia Tauiliili Tuivasa of Vaimauga No 1 and Opposition Leader, Lauofo Pierre Lauofo at today’s signing ceremony.

He emphasized this point so to clear the misunderstanding that stemmed from past events where districts thought they would receive the funds as soon as they signed the agreement.

Out of the 51 districts, 39 have received $150,000 (15%) to start their office operations with 12 more districts yet to complete the project requirements to receive theirs.

Leota said that the Ministry plans to have these completed and paid out by the end of this month.

The Projects Steering Committee has also endorsed 9 more districts to receive $425,000 for their approved projects after a one on one consultation with the Districts Council members.

These districts includes

• Palauli No.1,

• Anoama’a No.2

• Salega No.1

• Va’a o Fonoti

• Vaimauga No.3

• Aleipata Itupa I Lalo

• Gagaifomauga No.2

• Anoama’a  No.1 and

• Falelatai & Samatau.

35 districts received $425,000
So far, out of 51 districts, 35 have received the third portion of the $1million which is $425,000.

Most of these districts have already utilized the funds and have started their development programs within their districts.

According to the Minister, as soon as their audited reports on how the $425,000 was utilized, they will then be eligible to the final portion of $425,000 to complete the first $1m funding under the government development initiative.