28 Jun 2017

Samoa budgets for $US373m in spending

3:14 pm on 28 June 2017

Samoa's Parliament has passed an infrastructure-focussed budget which will spend more than $US373 million.

no caption

Photo: RNZ

The 2017/2018 budget applies from next month.

Finance Minister Sili Epa Tuioti said the quick passage of the budget was an endorsement of the government's financial policy and management.

He said health and education were the main areas as the government is trying to respond on a timely basis to the needs of the people.

Sili said there had been a strong call for investment in infrastructure by improving water supply, improving roads and the need to ensure that government invest money in plantation access as well as increased agriculture.

Fo the new financial year projected revenues total $US341 million while expenditures come to $US373 million, reflecting an overall deficit of $US32 million.

The deficit will be financed by a soft term loan and credit budget support to balance the budget with a cash surplus of over $US8.4 million.