A direct funding agreement for over 15 million tala [US$6.36 million] for post-Cyclone Evan support was signed between Governments of Samoa and Australia yesterday.The agreement follows the announcement made in February by the Australian Foreign Minister, Senator Bob Carr who saw for himself disaster areas during his visit to Samoa.
This package of assistance will rebuild schools and medical facilities damaged by Cyclone Evan and conveys Australia’s commitment to Samoa’s recovery.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the Governments of Samoa and Australia by the CEO of the Ministry of Finance, Tupa’imatuna Iulai Lavea and the head of AusAID in Samoa, Counsellor Anthony Stannard.
Eighteen schools and nine health clinics were either completely destroyed or sustained damage. “Rebuilding these facilities will enable more than 5,300 students to continue their studies and more than 25,000 people to access health care in the coming months,” Mr. Stannard said.
At the signing, Tupa’imatuna acknowledged Australia’s support.
“We appreciate the timely assistance from the Government of Australia”, he said.
Source: The Pacific Islands Report