Govt. told to look at Board

The Samoa Sports Facilities Authority (S.S.F.A.) broke its own law by having two too many board members, a Parliament Select committee has found.

In light of this, the Education Science, Communication and Information Technology (E.S.C.I.T.) Committee has asked the Government review the number of people who sit on the S.S.F.A. Board.

The report by was among 39 reports tabled and approved by Parliament without debate when it sat in April. A copy of the report in question has been obtained by the Sunday Samoan.

The Committee is chaired by Associate Minister, Lenatai Victor Tamapua. Other members include Ifopo Matia Filisi as Deputy Chairperson, Tusa Misi Tupuola, Levaopolo Talatonu, Aveau Nikotemo Palamo, Tuileutu Alavaa Voi and Tufuga Gafoaleata Faitua.

“The Committee noted that for the Financial Years considered the Board of Directors consisted of the Chairman with 12 Board Members as appointed by the Head of State under the advice by Cabinet for a three year term,” the Committee reports.

“Whereas in accordance with provisions of the Act which state that only 11 members are to be appointed as the Board of Directors.”

Further down the report, the E.S.C.I.T. Committee recommended the Government “review the number of Members of the Board of Directives so to be in line with the provisions of the Act.”

According to the S.S.F.A. Act 2007, The Board of Directors of the Authority shall consist of, the Minister, who shall be the Chairperson, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry responsible for Sports, the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority appointed by the Board who shall be Secretary for the Board, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Works, Transportation and Infrastructure, a representative nominated by the National Olympic Committee being the National Federation of Amateur Sports in Samoa (S.A.S.N.O.C.), and six other directors appointed by the Head of State on the advice of Cabinet.

The Committee also noted in its consideration of each financial year, the similarity and duplication in the structure and explanation of the Authority’s Reports.

“In addition to the structure and information within the Annual Report of the Authority, it only lists out its activities and functions that used their Facilities but there is no information as to the standard and if there are any repairs needed to the Facilities,” the report reads.

“The Committee noted that the Samoa Sports Facilities Authority was established under the Samoa Sports Facilities Authority Act 2007 to replace the previous acts, that were enacted for the specific purpose of control, management and administering of sports facilities as vested in the Authority as well as other facilities established elsewhere and given to the Authority to control, manage and administer.

“Although the act is the principal mandate of the Authority, they are however responsible also to performance and accountability mechanisms as stated in other legal provisions.” In addition to reviewing the number of Board Members, the E.S.C.I.T. Committee made two other recommendations to government. “That the Corporation review compilation of its annual reports thoroughly in order to avoid repetition of its Annual explanations and structuring of information as noted by the Committee for the three financial years considered. “That the Corporation outline the conditions and standards of the Sports Facilities and Fields within their Annual Reports.” This is the report in full:

1. RECOMMENDATION: The Education, Science, Communication & Information Technology Committee recommend that the Assembly takes note of its Report. 2. PREAMBLE: The Education, Science, Communication & Information Technology Committee is constituted pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 172. MEMBERS APPOINTED Tofa LENATAI Victor Faafoi Tamapua Chairperson 31/05/2011 Susuga IFOPO Matia Filisi Deputy Chairperson 31/05/2011 Tofa TUSA Misi Tupuola Member 31/05/2011 Tofa LEVAOPOLO Talatonu Member 31/05/2011 Tofa AVEAU Nikotemo Palamo Member 31/05/2011 Tofa TUILEUTU AlavaaVoi Member 31/05/2011 Afioga TUFUGA Gafoaleata Faitua Member 03/10/2011 3. STANDING ORDER 172: In accordance with the provisions of Standing Orders 172, it shall be the duty of the Committee to:- (a) Consider any bill, petition or any other matter referred by the Assembly or pursuant to these Standing Orders; and such Estimates or review of ministerial performance as maybe referred by the Finance & Expenditure Committee; (b) Examine the policy, administration and expenditure of ministries and associate government organisations related to education, sports, youth & culture, science, communications and information technology. 4. PAPER CONSIDERED: (Tabled 21/8/2012)

(Referred/8/2012) 1. P.P. 2011/2012 No.23, Annual Report of Samoa Sports Facilities Authority 2008/2009. (Tabled 26/3/2013) (Referred 27/3/2013) 2. P.P. 2012/2013 No.78, Annual Report of Samoa Sports Facilities Authority 2009/2010. 3. P.P. 2012/2013 N0. 79, Annual Report of Samoa Sports Facilities Authority 2010/2011.

5. WITNESSES: The Committee during the course of its investigation heard evidence submitted by: Samoa Sports Facilities Authority: Moefaauouo Salale Moananu - Chief Executive Officer

6. FINDINGS: The Committee noted that the Samoa Sports Facilities Authority was established under the Samoa Sports Facilities Authority Act 2007 to replace the previous acts; that were enacted for the specific purpose of control, management and administering of sports facilities as vested in the Authority as well as other facilities established elsewhere and given to the Authority to control, manage and administer. Although the act is the principal mandate of the Authority, they are however responsible also to performance and accountability mechanisms as stated in other legal provisions. The Committee noted that for the Financial Years considered the Board of Directors consisted of the Chairman with 127 Board Members as appointed by the Head of State under the advice by Cabinet for a three year term. Whereas in accordance with provisions of the Act which state that only 11 members are to be appointed as the Board of Directors. The Committee also noted in its consideration of each financial year, the similarity and duplication in the structure and explanation of the Authorities Reports. In addition to the structure and information within the Annual Report of the Authority, it only lists out its activities and functions that used their Facilities but there is no information as to the standard and if there are any repairs needed to the Facilities.

6.1 Funds of the Authority: The Authority is funded under the Public Finance Management Act 2001, along with donations and hire by Government Ministry’s, Corporation, Private Sector and the general public for functions. 6.1.1 Financial Overview 2008/2009: Revenue: The Committee noted the increase in revenue for the Corporation due to an increase in number of organisations and functions hiring the facilities. Revenue of the Corporation was mainly generated from the Samoa Aquatic Centre, Venue Hire, Apia Park Foodstalls, Lease agreements and advertising billboards. Expenditure: The Committee noted that since the establishment of the Authority it faced difficulties for this financial year. However due to the decrease and control of Creditors which had accounts with the Authority also by limiting the number of accounts only on the approval of its General Managers and Assistant Managers this has enabled the Authority to decrease its expenditure by $2,834,706 in comparison to the previous year. The Authority also stated that for this financial year 2008/2009 it had unavoidable expenditure that was not forecasted in its budget but due to the need payment was made for Insurance Cover for the facilities, international travel to sports related events which required a representative of the Authority.

6.1.2 Financial Overview 2009/2010: Revenue: The Committee noted that revenue collected by the Corporation exceeded the revenue projected and also in comparison to the previous year by approximately $52,962. This is due to the increase in usage of facilities by organisations as well as the general public. Expenditure: The Committee noted the decrease in the Authorities expenditure due to the effective application of control measures each month. The Authority were able to decrease its expenditure by $1,109, 915 in comparison to the previous year. Despite the decrease in its expenditure the Authority still faces difficulties with managing its expenditure due to increase in fuel, electricity and materials.

6.1.3 Financial Overview 2010/2011: Revenue: The Committee noted that the actual revenues generated from users of facilities during the year has increased compared to the prior year. Revenues collected are approximately $390, 653, comparable revenues increased by 28% over the prior year. This is due to the increase of facility hire, users and increase in activities that take place in the SSFA venues. Expenditure: The Committee noted that expenditure for the Authority had decreased in comparison to the previous year by approximately $572,903. 7. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: The Committee acknowledges the tremendous effort and determination of the Corporation in utilizing and improving its systems. Not just for the benefit of the Corporation but in order to carry out its services to its customers and stakeholders in accordance with its mandates.

8. RECOMMENDATIONS: Based on its Findings, the Committee recommends the Government to:- 1. Review the number of Members of the Board of Directives so to be in line with the provisions of the Act. 2. That the Corporation review compilation of its annual reports thoroughly in order to avoid repetition of its Annual explanations and structuring of information as noted by the Committee for the three financial years considered. 3. That the Corporation outline the conditions and standards of the Sports Facilities and Fields within their Annual Reports.

9. RESOLUTION: At the conclusion of its consideration the Committee resolved to recommend the Assembly: To approve P.P. 2012/2013 No. 23, Annual Report of Samoa Sports Facilities Authority 2008/2009; P.P. 2012/2013 No. 73, Annual Report of Samoa Sports Facilities Authority 2009/2010&P.P. 2012/2013 No. 79, Annual Report of Samoa Sports Facilities Authority 2010/2011.

LENATAI Victor Faafoi Tamapua CHAIRPERSON