The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E.), Fa’amoetauloa Dr. Faale Tumali’i, has dismissed a claim that the government has been giving out free air condition units.
The claim was made by the Member of Parliament for Faleata West, Aveau Niko Palamo, who claimed that one individual received more than 30 units.
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Aveau did not name the individual.
But he used Parliamentary privileges when he spoke during the debate of the Supplementary Budget to demand transparency and accountability about the use of such units. The units were apparently initially bought for the Small Island Developing States conference hosted by Samoa last year.
The Tautua M.P. urged that a list be tabled with Parliament containing the names of individuals, Ministries, Corporations and the amount of air condition units they have been given.
According to Aveau, this information should be made public given that everyone in Samoa contributed to the success of the S.I.D.S. conference. He suggested that perhaps the leaders of the churches should be given priority if such air condition units are indeed being given out freely.
But Minister Faamoetauloa interjected, denying the allegation.
He told Parliament that the units in question were given to selected people for climate change purposes. They were also distributed among government Ministries and Corporations.
These units are distributed in exchange for the old units to decrease the production and exposure of hazardous gas.
This is a part of the T.A.C.C Project, the Minister said.
The Speaker, Laauli Leuatea Polata’ivao then ordered Avea to move on.
Speaking about the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Aveau raised a question with regards to a recommendation given by the Finance Committee regarding livestock.
He also questioned how many farmers from Upolu and Savai’i have actually benefitted from S.A.C.E.P. scheme. The M.P. said he was concerned because the funding will be closed soon and yet there is still a lot of money sitting there unused.
Aveau also questioned the increase of fees at the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration. He pointed out that one fee has gone from $40 to $100.
The Member asked that the Minister reconsider and whether there is a formula for carrying out these increases.
Lastly, Aveau raised a question about the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture in relation to Samoa College and Avele College. Aveau noted that entrance exams still exist for Samoa College and Avele College when there was previously an initiative to discontinue this practice. At that point, the Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Magele Mauiliu Magele, interjected.
He said the plan to develop Rural Schools is ongoing where students are encouraged to attend the schools in their constituencies.
He pointed out that the Year Eight National Examination has been removed to minimize elitism and discrimination among students. This decision was in line with the aim to harness the academic abilities of students within their own districts so as to avoid urban overcrowding and student inflation for these schools, he said.
Quality education should be equal and made available to all colleges within each Zone.
Parliament is continuing today.
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