16 Oct 2007

Uncertainty in Marshall Islands over who will maintain $5 million building

11:08 am on 16 October 2007

There's uncertainty in Marshall Islands over who will maintain a new building funded by Taiwan and whether it will be utilized.

Taiwan has funded the $5 US million dollar building, which was opened by Taiwan's president Chen Shui-bian for the two day Taiwan Pacific Allies Summit over the weekend.

The new centre was part of Taiwan's annual aid program to the Marshall Islands.

Our correspondent in Majuro Giff Johnson says it probably won't get a lot of use.

"Its possible it will be used for various workshops programmes or conferences they have on and off throughout the year. But essentially its another government facility and the government will have to cough up some money to maintain it. Its a superb facility and will certainly cost some money to keep it up."

The next Taiwan Pacific allies summit will be hosted in Taiwan in 2008.