Residents of the Siumu district affected by the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui will each receive $1,100 in compensation, the same amount being paid to eligible residents in Safata, according to the Chairperson of the Compensation Committee, Fui Manu Simanu.
Speaking on the progress of the compensation programme, Fui said the committee is working to ensure payments continue without delay following the distribution of the $10 million compensation to residents in Safata.
The compensation was agreed between New Zealand and Samoa last year after HMNZS sank off the coast of Tafitoala, causing environmental damage and impacting livelihoods.
He said the remaining funds have already been allocated for Siumu, including the villages of Maninoa, the main Siumu area and other affected villages within the district.
"The remaining funds have already been set aside for the people of the Siumu district, including Maninoa and the other affected villages. The expectation is that by the end of July all of those payments will have been completed," he said.
