There are currently 47 constituencies that have been approved for the $1million project in various stages according to the Minister of Women, Community and Social Development, Leota Laki Lamositele.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, Leota said most of the constituencies' proposals including the 10 constituencies whose proposals were temporarily declined, have been approved.

"There are currently no constituencies that have been cut off completely from the project, just some issues they need to abide by in terms of the criteria hence the delay but we've given them the criteria and what they need to follow," he said.

"So there are only a few left and if I can recall, maybe about three to four left but the rest of the constituencies are in progress but that's why the process is slow but all the constituencies are at various stages of the process or project."

Asked about the 10 constituencies whose proposals were denied because they breached the criteria, Leota said most have been approved.

"There are currently about three to four constituencies left that haven't been approved yet but we've given them the criteria that needs to be followed but most of the constituencies are in the project now and are now in progress," he said.

10 Electoral Constituencies had their funding from the Governments’ $1 million tala Development Project suspended for breach of guidelines, Cabinet Minister and member of the current Administration’s $1 million project Steering Committee La’auli Leuatea Polataivao Fosi revealed earlier this year.

Speaking to the media over the weekend, La’auli cited the unauthorised distribution of the $200,000 initial allocation. The funds were to build fund infrastructure and hire personnel as well as cover operational costs.

But La’auli says in some constituencies the funds were distributed as payment in advance for property leases where the District Centers will be housed.

The Cabinet Minister contradicts the spending allocation of the $200,000.For instance, $132,000 is to fund the construction of the center, $32,000 for operational (electricity and water bill) costs and the balance of $32,000 for the wages of staff and allowances of Committee Members.

Once that is completed, the constituency is required to submit three reports which are:• Financial statements on the use of the initial $200,000 and a Letter from the Auditor• 4 Year District development Plan• A Report on how the $1 million will be utilised

The disbursement of the $1 million is not all at once, the first lot will be $150,000 to be utilised for operational costs at the District Development Center.

Earlier this year, an inspection by the SAT$1 million Development Project Steering Committee confirmed 48 constituencies have established district council offices with the remainder yet to do so.