By Nanai Laveitiga Tuiletufuga

By June this year, the 41-year old Maota Fono at Mulinuu should be demolished to make way for a new modern parliament complex.

And the targeted date for completion is before the end of 2015, said Speaker of Parliament Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao.

“We are committed for the dedication ceremony to coincide with the last prayer meeting before parliament dissolves for the 2016 general elections.

“The design contract has been awarded to the Mantina Architects Company from Australia.

“Architects from Canberra will be coming back soon with their design work.

“From there, construction tenders will be called.�?

The new Maota Fono, according to the Speaker will be “an iconic project in the region.�?

“It will incorporate the best in environmental design and climate change resilience.

“It’s designed also to accommodate the anticipated increase in the number of MP’s in the coming years.

“It will have 125 seats for public viewing and a press gallery.�?

Australia is funding the project at a cost of $40 million tala.

And according to the Speaker, it’s the first phase of a multi-million tala project to upgrade the Parliament House.

“The second phase will be the main office for the Legislative Assembly. That phase will cost $20 million tala also which Australia has indicated it will provide.

“If all goes well, construction of the new main office should start in the first half of 2016.�?

Share This

About the author