Parliament on Thursday evening passed the District Development Bill 2026, approving the legislation in its third and final reading after completing the second reading earlier that day.

The bill establishes a new statutory framework to administer Samoa’s district development programme (DDP) by creating a District Development Authority, a corporate body tasked with overseeing the initiative.

The vote was carried by a majority of members in the House from the Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST). The Speaker of the House, Auapaau Aloitafua Mulipola, presided over the sitting, which was temporarily held at the Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi (TATTE) on Thursday.

The legislation was read before the House by the Minister of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD), Moefaauoauo Julius Tafunai. The motion for the reading was seconded by Deputy Prime Minister Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo and supported by several cabinet ministers, including Health Minister Va'aaoao Salumalo Afofipo, Commerce, Industry and Labour Minister Fata Ryan Schuster, and Customs Minister Masinalupe Makesi Pisi. Moefaauoauo was seen applauding after the vote was successful and the bill had passed. 

The District Development legislation passed its first reading on Tuesday without debate, raising concerns among opposition members, including former Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa, about the parliamentary process.

According to the explanatory memorandum published on the Parliament of Samoa website, the legislation repeals the Internal Affairs Act 1995 and introduces consequential amendments to related laws.

In addition, the bill amends the Ministry of Women Affairs Act 1990, including renaming the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development as the Ministry of Family and Social Affairs. The change is intended to consolidate district development and local governance functions under a strengthened legislative framework.