The Government has allocated $51 million for the implementation of the Districts Development Program. This is outlined in the proposed budget for the upcoming financial year 2022-2023.
The funding is proposed under the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development in the amount of $63.6 million whereas $11.13 million for the outputs delivered by the Ministry and $52.5 million for transactions on behalf of the State.
This was outlined by the Minister of Finance, Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioo when announcing the budgetary items for the Ministry in Parliament on Tuesday.
“Key developments for the Ministry in the new financial year include $51million tala for 51 districts.
“The overall aim of this Program is to inspire social harmony and inclusive growth for Samoa, through district developments utilizing our community capacities, natural resources, and environment. The Government focus is aligned to the Key Strategic Area 1 of the Pathway for the Development of Samoa: alleviating hardship, improved Public Health, Quality Education, people empowerment, and skilled workforce.”
The Minister said the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development in close collaboration with all other government agencies, will work to ensure that sufficient support is provided to effectively carry out the proposed initiatives from districts.
“The Government aspires that this is a golden opportunity to enhance appropriate developments within all districts; $300,000 tala for ongoing support to Komiti Tumama and $500,000 tala for NGO programs for Women, Youth, and Children.
We will continue the partnership with our development partners for capacity development for the Ministry in its supporting role for the implementation of the District Development Program and other community initiatives.”
Last week 18 out of 51 constituencies signed agreements with the Government on how to implement the use of the $200,000 as part of the initial phase of the development projects.
