Vaimauga 4 to receive $2 Million for District Development Projects

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 15 October 2026: The Vaimauga 4 district will be one of the very first to receive $2 million for the increased funding for district development projects.

The Chief Executive Officer of the District Development Authority (DDA), Unasa Viane Toala confirmed at a meeting with members of the Vaimauga 4 district today at the Seventh Day Adventist Hall at Lalovaea.

The Authority clarified and explained the guidelines on the kind of projects allowed under the new funding round approved in the budget in July.

Unasa explained the process with which districts are eligible for the $2m which includes the provision of the projects workplan and audited financial reports on the previous funding round and expenditure.

Unasa confirmed that Vaimauga 4 is the first district to complete all required reports qualifying them for the first portion of the $2m.

“By November, the first trench will be rolled out,” he said.

Unasa clarified that 70%, which is $1,400,000, will be given out in the first and the remaining 30% which is $600,000 will be paid out after all audited reports are submitted to the Authority.

He also highlighted specific projects allowed under the guidelines and based on the District Development Workplan.

Some of the residents of Vaimauga 4 constituency who attended the meeting.

The emphasis was also placed on things not allowed under the project which includes:

• Donation (lafo) in any traditional events,
• Medical assistance overseas
• Purchase of firearms
• Cash out and loan scheme
• Home appliances
• Payment of legal fees and
• Any survey work on lands or payment of lease.

When the opportunity was given to the audience to ask questions, one of the projects suggested was a ‘feed-mill.”

Te’o Faitele Afamasaga said Vaimauga 4 residents do not have customary land like other districts where big developments can be developed and sustained.

He suggested and supported by others that most families have small piggery or chicken farms, but the challenge is getting the supplies to feed them.

Unasa commended the idea and said the suggestion should be put to the District Council – Fono Faavae, for consideration before submitting it in the district workplan.

The meeting was hailed by Vaimauga 4 Member of Parliament Lima Grame Tualaulelei and Chairperson Tonu’u Fuamoli Amituanai Misi a success.

Tonu’u said it was best to give the Vaimauga 4 residents the opportunity to ask direct questions to the District Development Authority team to give further clarification on matters they wished to address.