By Tupuola Terry Tavita

The old Parliament House at Ti’afau will be demolished this Thursday.

In a ministerial address in Parliament this morning, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi – often breaking into Samoan oratory – said the old building is unattractive and engineers have advised that it was no longer safe.

“The grounds here at Ti’afau are undergoing complete landscaping. There should be enough space to fit in the tens of thousands that will be here in June and other celebrations in years to come. Enough space for the entertainers and the comedians to run around like rabbits while entertaining the crowds.

“Government does what is in the best interest of the people and our country, moving forward. I need not also remind you that when this building was christened in 1972, it became the seat of Parliament. All functions of the old building were moved to this building.�?

The Prime Minister added that the old building was unattractive beside the new Parliament House and the new court houses west of the old Parliament building.

But the old site, he added, might not be gone forever.

“There are current talks with our developing partners to build a similar traditional – but enduring – building on the site that will reflect our heritage.�?

The Prime Minister said the building was made of untreated timber and expert advice to the government was that it was safer to demolish it was soon as possible.

The building was scheduled to be demolished yesterday but Speaker of the House, La’auli Polataivao, reportedly, stopped the workers from carrying out the job.

Today, the Speaker said he accepted the Prime Minister’s explanation and stopped any debate on the matter despite efforts by the Opposition leader Palusalue Fa’apo the Second to throw the issue open to debate.

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