Only one district remains to get its third million of the district grant, as 50 out of 51 districts signed agreements for the third tranche of funding.

Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development said it will not disclose the district council as it was working to complete is financial reporting obligations to get its third million.

“While the vast majority of districts have already signed their agreements and are well underway with implementation of the third million, there is one district that is still completing its internal processes before proceeding,” said Loau Donina Tili Vaa the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD).

“What is important to highlight is that all districts have demonstrated a strong commitment to this program overall, and each is progressing at the pace that reflects their local circumstances and readiness. The Ministry respects this and is working constructively to ensure the final administrative steps can be completed in due course.”

Explaining the reason for the delay, the Chief Executive Officer said: “The delay reflects a combination of practical factors that can arise in any large community-led initiative, including changes in local leadership and governance arrangements that required additional time to confirm roles and responsibilities. Final administrative steps to complete the reporting for earlier funding phases, which are part of our collective commitment to accountability and good practice.”

“The Ministry recognises that every district has unique circumstances, and we remain committed to working alongside the local leadership to provide guidance, reassurance, and any support needed to move forward confidently. 

“This is the heart of the District Development Program: a shared journey where no one is left behind and where every step, even the challenging ones, strengthens the resilience and collective progress of Samoa’s villages and districts,” said Loau

In upholding its principles of respect and partnership, the Ministry said it would not name the district still finalising its processes.

“The Ministry, in line with its guiding principles of community empowerment, respect, and partnership, does not publicly name individual districts that are still completing internal processes. This is a deliberate approach to ensure that every community is treated with dignity and that no district is singled out in a way that could be perceived as critical or diminishing of their efforts,” added  Loau

The Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development has confirmed that 99.95 per cent of Samoa’s districts have signed on for the third million tala grant under the District Development Program. Only one district remains, with the Ministry working closely to support its final steps. In line with its commitment to respect and partnership, the Ministry is handling outstanding matters confidentially, ensuring that all villages are treated with dignity throughout the process.

The final five districts officially signed on to the third tranche of the Million Dollar Grant on Thursday, 26 June. These included Faleata 4, Gagaemauga 1, Itumalo Alataua i Sisifo, Salega 1, and Sagaga 3. Their participation brings the total number of signed districts to 50 out of 51 nationwide.