Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has asked the people of Safata affected by the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui to remain patient, saying the government is still conducting checks before the $10 million in compensation is released.

Speaking during his press conference, the Prime Minister said the cabinet had already made an official decision on the compensation, but the process had to be completed properly before payments could be made. “I understand that the process is being carried out,” La’aulialemalietoa said.

He offered what he described as a humble request to the affected residents of Safata, asking them to “be patient” while officials verify the accounts and documents submitted, despite residents having waited more than 1 year and 7 months.

“I humbly ask that you be patient,” he said. The Prime Minister said one of the issues slowing the process was the need to check bank accounts and documents. He said the situation had become “all over the place”, pointing to problems seen in other Government payment schemes introduced under his administration. He referred to the $150 back-to-school grant, saying some people had allegedly attempted to use the same birth certificate more than once.

He said he believed the matter would not take much longer and added that he would follow up again on the status of the compensation.

The compensation follows the sinking of the New Zealand naval vessel HMNZS Manawanui in October 2024. Almost two years later, residents are still awaiting the compensation payment.

The Samoa Observer previously reported that affected residents had gone through several consultations and registration processes, including completing documents before Christmas and again in February and April this year.

The Prime Minister said that Safata residents would receive $1,100 each from the compensation package, with $100,000 to be set aside for affected businesses in Safata. Recent attempts by the Samoa Observer to seek further comment from Safata No. 2 Member of Parliament Tuia Fuatogi Letoa were unsuccessful. Tuia ended the call before he could be asked about the $10 million compensation.

The delay has continued to frustrate residents, many of whom have questioned why the compensation has not yet been paid despite the official Cabinet decision already being made.