The biggest denomination in Samoa, the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (CCCS), has borrowed $15 million from the Samoa National Provident Fund (S.N.P.F).
The Chairman of the Church’s Finance Committee, Le Mamea Ropati Mualia, said the loan is to fund the construction of the Jubilee Church at Malua and “other developments”.
Le Mamea could not say what the “other developments” were.
However, he told the Samoa Observer last week that the loan was taken out before this year’s Annual Conference. “The $15 million is not only to complete the construction of the Jubilee Church, it is also to fund the other developments by the Church,” he said.
Le Mamea declined to comment on the status of the John Williams Building renovation contract with South Pacific Cladding.
The John Williams Building houses the church’s administrative offices.
In January The Secretary General of the Congregational CCCS, Reverend Dr. Iutisone Salevao, denied reports that money issues have delayed the renovation work being done to the John Williams Building.
In June the CCCS suspended the renovations of the John Williams Building.
At the time Le Mamea told the media the project was suspended as of the Church Annual General Meeting decision to channel the financial resources completing the Jubilee Memorial Church at the headquarters at Malua.
In August the founder and owner of the South Pacific Claddings Tupuola Patrick Boone faced 10 criminal charges filed against him by police.
The charges include theft and obtaining stolen goods.
According to Court documents, Tupuola faces 7 counts of theft and 3 counts of obtaining stolen goods from the employees of a local building suppliers company last year.
Late last month the CCCS terminated its contract with South Pacific Cladding.
Tupuola blamed the CCCS for delays, which have resulted in a standoff between the two parties.
“We had sent numerous invoices for final orders completion, yet they kept reducing orders to suit their budget, and then would air freight these materials,” he said.
“We have been patient with the church, even when they locked us out and eventually kicking us off their premises, o lea lava e olo le fua.”
He has also not ruled out legal action if the parties “do not reach a solution”.
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News category: Asia Pacific.
