24 Apr 2007

Solomon's leader says reconstruction after tsunami will be a daunting task

7:25 pm on 24 April 2007

The Solomon Islands prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare says the country faces a daunting task rebuilding the infrastructure wrecked by the destructive earthquake and tsunami in Western Province and Choiseul..

Mr Sogavare toured the disaster zone last week.

He says a key part of the reconstruction will be the resiting of Choiseul's capital, Taro, and parts of Western Province's main town, Gizo, and settling the displaced people in permanent housing.

The prime minister says his government is working closely with the Asian Development Bank which it has appointed to co-ordinate the donor support.

"'We have had a favourable response from our main development partners, Taiwan and of course Australia are standing by to help us. As well I had personal telephone calls from both prime ministers of Australia and New Zealand with the assurance that they are willing to come forward in the reconstruction and rehabilitation stage, but we are taking the lead ourselves."

The Solomon Islands prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare.