Prosecution holds the key to stopping incidents of alleged misappropriation of the $1 million development grants. It is a breath of fresh air seeing a different approach from the government towards the disbursement of the grant.

It is true that the disbursement so far has not been done in a uniform manner impacting the plans the districts have for their people. When the Minister of Finance, Lautimuia Uelese Vaai announced that allegations of misuse or internal issues would not halt the disbursement of funds to the district, this should be a sign to the districts to use the money well.

There is a sense you get that the government is trying to be accountable here when the minister said that all such matters of misuse and abuse will be investigated immediately. The change from the Steering Committee that governs the project is to ensure there is no delay in rolling out the project.

According to the Minister, previous internal issues from the district of Lepa chaired by the Opposition Leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi prompted the change in approach.

Words are cheap and people will only believe if there is intent. In this matter, the intent should be quick investigations, suspension while there is investigation and in the case of abuse and misuse, all matters need to be transferred to the police.

Misuse of funds should be met with jail time. This is the only way to send a clear message that neither the government nor the people of this country will stand and watch while people entrusted with millions of tala of public funds are laughing all the way to the bank.

Recently the district of Fa’asaleleaga No.2 lodged a complaint with the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development connected to questions on a missing $150,000 appropriated for district council members’ wages.

The district directed its complaint against their member of parliament.

This particular case is the first one that should be investigated. The Finance Minister has said himself that there would be no disruptions to the grants and people would be investigated. The M.P. for Fa’asaleleaga No.2 and Associate Minister of Finance, Magele Sekati Fiaui has publicly denied the using portion of the development grant.

But this does not mean that an investigation should not happen. This statement has to be turned into a procedure. The right thing to do now is to ask the MP to step down temporarily until the investigation is done and if he is cleared, he will resume his role. In the case he is not, the matter should be handed to the police.

If someone else has taken the money, then the same consequence should fall on them as well. It is one thing to say that investigations would happen, it is another to do an investigation and hold people accountable by handing them to the law.

Another district of Fa’asaleleaga No.5 also encountered issues with their M.P. and his leadership. Lautimuia said the new changes imposed by the Steering Committee is if it concerns money, an investigation will be carried out but further disbursement will not be halted.

He said the Committee normally aims to investigate in two weeks.

It is not only the district grants that require an accountability mechanism, there are other abuses of office and misuse of funds that have been taking place. It is perhaps time to set up a body that deals with corruption and abuse in the civil service or change laws to give the Office of the Ombudsman more jurisdiction so accountability can be maintained and people can lodge complaints.

It seems that accountability in our government is becoming like the manumea. Both are heard of but rarely seen. It is time that accountability is seen in action and it seems the Finance Minister has got the ball rolling.

It would also be helpful to set up one government official within the district offices who does checks and balances on the money. Since the money would now be coming without disruptions, it is high time district councils pay for education for all children from low-income families and provide bus fare for them

This is a great opportunity for the districts and accountability.