Caretaker government withholds $1M District Development Funds

Apia, Samoa – 10 June 2025 – The caretaker government has confirmed that funds already appropriated in the 2024/2025 Financial Year under the $1M District Development Project have been withheld until further notice.

This was confirmed in a letter yesterday from the CEO of the Ministry of Women, that is in charge of the Project.

The reasons being that given the 2025/2026 Appropriation Bill was defeated resulting in parliament being dissolved, the MPs who had been designated Chairpersons of the District Development Councils (DDP) no longer hold office.

The CEO, Loau Donina Vaa further explained that under the projects Financial Agreements, the Chairperson of the DDC is the official signatory for the release and expenditure of project funds.

However, since the MPs no longer hold office after the dissolution of parliament, they can no longer be the official signatory for the release of funds under the DDP.

The letter further said that the absence of an official signatory under the current circumstances, pose legal threats if the funds continue to be operated under the project.

The CEO also said that there had been public concerns about the use of the funds as the country heads into the general elections, and the misconception that the funds are being used for political purposes.

As a result, the CEO said that all project proposals that had been awaiting approval for funds release are being withheld until further notice.

The Ministry also encouraged the District Development Councils to continue to operate the approved projects and funding and acquittal reporting as the project requires.

The Ministry is calling meetings on Tuesday with the Executive Officers and five representatives of each of the 51 District Development Council in Upolu and Savaii, to further clarify the decision.

Meanwhile, former MPs have expressed grave disappointment with the decision saying they will pursue legal action as the funds had already been appropriated in the 2024/2025 financial year as passed by Parliament.