CAPTION: Samoa’s Prime Minister Hon. Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and the European Commissioner for Development Mr Andris Piebalgs signing the above mentioned agreement. Photo: SUPPLIED.
On Friday the 6 April the Prime Minister Hon. Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and the European Commissioner for Development Mr Andris Piebalgs signed a Financing Agreement of the Water & Sanitation Sector Policy Support Programme Phase II and Millennium Development Goals Initiative” for a value of EUR 18.1 million (SAT 54 million). Commissioner Piebalgs also pledged an additional EUR 2 million (SAT 6 million) to enhance the sectors resilience to natural disasters.
The programme will run to June 2015 with disbursements being made directly to the Government of Samoa through budget support. Criteria for disbursement are: satisfactory progress in implementing the “Water for Life” Strategic Plan, maintaining Macroeconomic Stability and satisfactory progress in the Public Finance Management reform programme. In addition to these requirements, variable payments will be linked to additional specific conditions.
During the signing ceremony Commissioner Piebalgs offered his sympathy to the people of Samoa following the December 2012 Cyclone and stated that:
“This important financing agreement for EUR 18.1 million / SAT 54 million continues the European Union’s support to the water and sanitation sector in Samoa until 2015.
In addition I am pleased to be able to pledge an extra EUR 2 million / SAT 6 million, which is to be used to increase the sectors resilience to natural disasters, such as cyclones.
I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Samoa with its graduation to a Middle Income Country early next year. This is very commendable, especially in light of all the recent challenges that Samoa has faced”.
The Water & Sanitation Sector Policy Support Programme (EUR 15.9 M / SAT 47.7 million) will have five specific conditions for disbursement which are; an increase in watershed areas rehabilitated and/or declared reserves, a reduction in the Samoan Water Authority Non-Revenue Water (water lost through leakages, non-payment of bills etc.) in the Apia urban areas, improved revenue collection efficiency from domestic customers, better water quality compliance and an increase in the number of Apia urban households with approved septic tank systems.
The above programme will be complemented by the Millennium Development Goals Initiative.
“The European Union is made up of 27 Member States who have decided to gradually link together their knowhow, resources and destinies. Together, during a period of enlargement of 50 years, they have built a zone of stability, democracy and sustainable development whilst maintaining cultural diversity, tolerance and individual freedoms. The European Union is committed to sharing its achievements and its values with countries and
peoples beyond its borders”.
The European Commission is the EU’s executive body.
PRESS RELEASE