Three districts received their third $1 million for the district development grant with the Cabinet fast-tracking the project to meet its purpose. 

In doing so the three districts on the third million disbursement received their first tranches of $700,000 each of the project and the final payout will be made once the audit report is submitted. 

The Minister of Finance, Lautimuia Uelese Vaai confirmed with the Samoa Observer the districts include Fa’asaleleaga No.1, Fa’asaleleaga No.4 and Vaisigano No.1.  

Lautimuia stressed it was important to note that the $5 million released to the districts last week signified the government’s commitment to ensure that the project continues to deliver resilience, inclusiveness and sustainability. 

He also noted the Cabinet in August 2024 endorsed the Funding Agreements for the release of the third million in two tranches; 70 per cent and 30 per cent respectively.  

The first second million disbursements were made in three tranches, but for the third million, it is deemed vital to speed up the process with the timely releasing of funds.

Since its inception, the project's key outcomes targeted community-based developments and vulnerable families. 

The focused areas include social well-being for vulnerable families and people with disabilities and health awareness programs. 

Education is also a priority mainly in school upgrades for facilities, furniture such as desks and chairs, school teaching materials and computers, and funding of tertiary education. 

Cultural development such as the reviving of fale lalaga, agriculture and fisheries, tourism, sports development and infrastructure namely the upgrade of access roads are also funded through the $1m.

Each of the 51 districts receives $1 million annually for five years. If all the money is paid before the general elections, then the government would have used $255 million.