Government Discontinue Faasaleleaga 2 District Development Project

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 12 February 2026 – The Fa’asaleleaga 2 district will not receive funds under the District Development Project after they failed to honour the agreement with the Government.

The agreement was for the district to meet with the Government again after they sort out their internal differences regarding the District Council Chairpersons position.

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt told the media in yesterday’s press conference: “Benefits for Faasalalega 2 through the project are discontinued because they failed to comply with our agreement to inform the Government of their decision regarding their district council matter,” said Laauli.

Last month, a delegation from the district, led by Tofilau Lino Tofilau met the Prime Minister and decided for the delegation go back and sort out their internal differences then inform the Prime Minster of their decision.

However, rather than informing the Prime Minister as agreed, the Faasaleleaga 2 delegation led by Tofilau Lino Tofilau, voiced their decision during the HRPP meeting last week.

“So instead of honouring our agreement, Tofilau issued threats and derogatory remarks against me and said I am not from Savaii, and that if I had courage, then come to Savaii,” said Laauli.

Tofilau’s words did not sit well with the Prime Minister who considers the words threatening and inciting and who is also mindful of his own families and his district which is in Savaii.

Tofilau’s comments
“Who is Laauli?” Tofilau stated in a speech at the HRPP meeting on 6 February.

“If he has a big heart, then come to Savaii and I will be waiting; but do not play big boss and directing village and district affairs from here,” he stated.

Tofilau Lino Tofilau speaking at the HRPP meeting on Friday 6 February.

Tofilau “La’u faakali mai Savaii. A tele sona fatu alaku, ae aua le amio valea atu inei ma pulepule atu nu’u ma afioaga ma itumalo ae le alaku.

Tofilau also urged HRPP leaders to “act fast and do something.”

Dissenters will get no benefits
With the stance taken by Faasaleleaga 2, Laauli said the Cabinet has decided that if districts reject and object to the project, the Government will withdraw the funds and close the District Development Project.

“The Government will step aside and let them go to HRPP and whoever are objecting the government’s initiatives to support them and give them what they want,” said the Prime Minister.

Laauli was asked whether the Cabinet decision was unfair given that only a few people are against the project yet, the decision is directed at the district.

“The issue is Tofilau. He was the spokesperson for the district who led the delegation that we met on the matter of their district’s Chairperson. I and the Government emphasized to them that we do not interfere with their internal affairs, go back and sort out themselves, then come back when they come to a decision,” the Prime Minister explained.

“However, Tofilau voiced the district’s decision at the HRPP meeting; and if that is their decision, then so be it,” he said.

Longstanding dispute over Chairperson’s position
Faasaleleaga 2 internal matter stemmed from the appointment of its former Member of Parliament Magele Sekati Fiaui as chairperson.

According to Tofilau and other district members, Magele should not be appointed as he was found guilty of corrupt practices by the Court prior to election last year.

Early this week, the Minister responsible for the district Development Project Moefaauouo Julius Ah Kuoi Tafunai responded to the accusations against Magele.

He clarified that the court did not find Magele guilty of corruption but rather of the timing the development project fund was used to build the district hall which was close to the election.

“Magele is clear of any corrupt practices alluded to by the districts and is eligible to the position,” said Moefaauouo.

Police Investigate
Given Tofilau’s fiery remarks against Laauli, the matter has been referred to the police to investigate.

The Prime Minister emphasized that this matter is solely against Tofilau and the words he uttered and does not affect the district.

He also openly stated that he will be traveling to Savaii on Saturday for personal family matters.