Australia funding

The ABC reported an independent investigation found exploitation of allowances and bonuses had cost the USP a significant amount of money over several years.

USP Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia told a Fijian Parliamentary committee last month that the Australian government had not provided its annual funding of $US9.5 million.

It had only provided $US2.4m at the start of the year, he said.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop announced on Thursday the new disaster-resistant building in Apia.

Funding was not specified but will be on top of the $US7.7 million US dollars already being provided towards the construction of Samoa's Parliament House.

Australia is giving Samoa US$3 million dollars for a new transmitter mast.

It is a continuation of aid to the station's AM frequency radio station that is a vital tool of information, especially during natural disasters.

The current mast was built by Australia after cyclone OFA in 1990 and needs replacing.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop announced the funding on Thursday saying it is vital people are kept in the loop during natural disasters.