Former Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Vaimauga No. 3, Lautimuia Uelese Vaai, has used his maiden contribution to the 2026/2027 Budget debate to highlight electricity, water and safety as the three key priorities for his constituency.
Lautimuia supported concerns raised by the Member of Parliament for Faleata No. 2, Leatinuu Wayne Sooialo, on the fuel levy. He said the government should consider measures to ease the impact of fuel costs on the public, especially at a time when Samoa continues to face fuel-related pressures from the war in Iran.
On district development programme (DDP) matters, he said he had always supported the DDP aimed at growing the economy. However, he said there was a need for more capacity building under the current programme. He directed his comments to the Minister of Women, Community and Social Development, Moefaauouo Julius Tafunai, saying district committees and communities needed the right support.
Turning to education, Lautimuia said one of the priorities for the education sector should be the protection and development of Samoa’s "measina."
He also raised the issue of Samoa’s power supply and called for a review of solar-generated power stations as part of efforts to address the country's electricity challenges.
