After six years in government, Prime Minister La’auli and his FAST Party are showing signs of being overwhelmed by the responsibilty of leadership.
The government just announced a total increase of $115 Tala in departure taxes and charges per adult traveller. This represents a 176% increase in departure fees for the travelling public in addition to the sky high airfares they have to pay.
This week, schools closed due to water disruptions. Electricity shutdowns are still happening across the country. Infrastructure in hospitals, court houses, parks, and roads are rapidly deteriorating. A $13 million tala ferry remains missing. This shows that the government is unable to manage and maintain its essential services.
There are reports of millions of unspent Tala from the FAST government community development projects. It is a sign of ineffective and inefficient management as well as corruption and heavy handed political interference. This has resulted in broken promises to the districts and villages.
La’auli is now trying to apply band-aid solutions to his huge problems. He has promised more cash handouts before the by-elections. His Finance Minister is reportedly selling shares to FAST supporters to finance the purchase of two new aircraft.
The cracks in the FAST government’s strategy of funding corrupt community development projects at the expense of national development are now showing.
In the last 6 years, there has not been any meaningful investment in Samoa’s trade, tourism, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Even worse, there has not been any significant return on investment from the FAST Party’s community development projects. The only beneficiaries have been FAST Party members.
Donors and investors are also expecting full accountability in the use of their taxpayer money, so they too are being cautious.
It doesn’t help when all these problems are compounded by Prime Minister La’auli’s legal cases that are before the courts.
The nation needs a government that is focused on the needs of its people, not distracted by the problems of its leaders.
Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of HRPP