‘Wasted millions’ crippling country

The Leader of the Tautua Samoa Party, Palusalue Fa’apo II, has slammed the government for wasting “hundreds of millions of tala” which he said has caused a spike in poverty.

Speaking during his Party’s press conference, Palusalue said “poorly planned and badly executed investments” was hurting the country.

This is why there is a growing number of child vendors and beggars roaming the streets.

He condemned the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P) for misusing public finances and resources. He said the number of child vendors and beggars active at the moment was the highest he had ever seen.

“Why are parents pushing their children to sell products?

It’s because they have become desperate and are struggling,” said Palu.

“Hundreds of millions of taxpayers’ money is wasted on advisory committees that cost the budget more than $4 million each year.”

He pointed to the public funds and resources spent on Polynesian Airlines, which collapsed, as another major waste of money from the government, as well as the collapse of W.S.T.E.C, which once provided the majority of the income for government operation.

Other “poorly planned and badly executed investments” that Palu pointed out include the over $6 million investment in Desico, over $20 million on the Samoa Ports Authority development and more than $10 million on Samoa Land Corporation.

Palu said if the government had been mindful of its spending, the many child vendors and beggars on the streets would not be forced there to make ends meet.

“The money that can be saved from these bad investments and misuse of financial resources could build villages access roads, make electricity and water accessible to all families, create more employment, raise salaries for underpaid professionals and raise the pension for the elders.”

Deputy Leader, A’eau Peniamina Leavaise’eta, agreed with Palu.

He added that, while some M.Ps are being accused of breaking the law and misusing public funds, they tend to get away.

A’eau made comparison to other Pacific islands like Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, where M.Ps have been sent to prison for corruption.

“How about us and our government, nothing is done to any M.P (for misusing public funds),” he said. “It’s supposed to be of the concern of everyone. It hurts when those in power are not being held accountable…we are not talking about $500, we are talking about millions, that really hurts.”

Shadow Minister of Police, Papli’i Taeu Masipau, made a suggestion over how money could be saved.

According to Papali’i, if all 34 M.Ps from H.R.P.P gave up their luxurious vehicles funded by the public, it would save thousands.

“If we look at it, in Samoa it’s very expensive to maintain those big cars,” said Papali’i.

“What we suggest is if the M.Ps give up those cars and use their own cars, it would save the country thousands of dollars to maintain it, to change oil, petrol and car parts.

“Maybe the Prime Minister should have his own car but the rest, they should lead by example and show to the country that they truly mean… to be in parliament to help their constituency and put away those benefits.”

Papali’i said it’s difficult for the current government to change this, because the M.Ps are attracted to the party for those kinds of benefits.

M.P for Aana Alofi No. 3, Toesulusulu Cedric Schuster, agreed.

He said the move would assist the country in paying off its foreign debt of $1.1billion, by giving up money spent on vehicle expenses.