Bank doubles aid to Samoa

The World Bank has doubled its contribution to tsunami-stricken Samoa after a visit from its managing director.

Juan Jose Daboub this week announced that aid would be increased from US$20 million to US$40 million ($55.2 million) while he was in Apia for the opening of the joint World Bank Group and Asian Development Bank liaison office. He is the most senior World Bank official ever to visitSamoa.

Mr Daboub spoke after travelling to villages on the worst-hit south coast of Upolu for a first-hand look.

"I would like to express my profound sympathies to the Samoan Government and people," he said. "I have seen through the eyes of those affected their strength, resilience and desire to work hard to recover and continue on the path to prosperity."

Mr Daboub said he was "pleased to return World Bank's commitment to support" the island nation.

The new office in Apia was a symbol of the World Bank's long-term commitment to helping Samoa, hesaid.

"This presence on the ground will enable us to be more responsive to Samoa's development needs and better engage with the Government, local communities and other stake-holders."

The Asian Development Bank provided US$1 million in emergency aid to Samoa immediately after the series of devastating tsunamis on September 30 that flattened villages and killed more than 180 people.

Its president, Haruhiko Kuroda, expressed his sympathy for the loss of lives and pledged to provide US$26 million in loans.

Mr Daboub said the combined effort of the banks reflected their commitment to the call by Pacific leaders in Cairns for improved development co-ordination.

Samoa has been a member of the World Bank since 1974.