The Vaimauga No.3 Fono Fa’avae has confirmed that there is no more money left for the district’s $150 back to school government grant, stating more funds could be available around July or August.

Several residents shared concerns about the situation, including seasonal workers who recently returned to Samoa, expecting to collect the assistance for their children.

Tali Mulimai, a seasonal worker who recently returned home, said he was disappointed after being informed last Friday that the district had run out of the government’s $150 back-to-school grant.

“I am so disappointed after being informed last Friday that the district had run out of the government’s $150 back to school grant. I had been overseas working during the initial distribution period and only returned to Samoa expecting to collect the assistance for my children’s school and some other stuff that was needed,” he said.

Mulimai said he went to the Vaimauga No.3 Fono Fa’avae office and was told to leave his number so he could be contacted later.

“They will call back to inform me about the $150 back to school grant. I was told there was no money left,” he said.

“However, there should be a notice for it to inform people that there's no more money for the people of Vaimauga No.3.”

Another seasonal worker, Sione Malu, said the grant would have helped many families struggling with school expenses.

“The grant would have helped cover the increasing costs of uniforms, stationery, bags, and school fees, especially for families with several children,” he said.

“I was so confused about what would happen to the other people who have not collected their $150 back to school grant. I travelled there early to the collection point only to be told that no funds remained for the district.”

Tony Lio from Vaiala also questioned why many residents in the district had still not received the grant.

“We went to follow up the Fono Fa’avae No.3 about the $150 back to school, but were told that there's no money left,” he said.

On 26 March, it was confirmed that Vaimauga No.3 had run out of money with people waiting to receive their $150 back-to-school support.

The first tranche of $1.2 million given by the government to the district councils has run out for some district offices. This has been attributed to the back-to-school support handout that was announced in January.

Co-chairman of the Vaimauga No.3 district council, Taioaliiseu Saunia Fiti, confirmed to the Samoa Observer that the first tranche ran out.

“The $1.2 million that was given has been dished out. The next step is to get the financial reports ready and have them audited and as soon as we can get them to the ministry, we hope the funds will be given,” he said.

Taioaliiseu said he could not divulge more information as he was chairman B and most matters were handled by Nonu William Maui'a, who is chairman A under the co-chairmanship policy implemented by the government.

Vaimauga No.3 has 23 villages and a total estimated population of close to 12,000 people.