10 Feb 2010

Solomons speaker says new office block will help MPs' work

2:51 pm on 10 February 2010

The Speaker of the Solomon Islands parliament says a new multi-million dollar office complex funded by Taiwan will enhance the work of MPs.

Taiwan has given three million US dollars for the two-storey office block to be built in the grounds of parliament after the Solomons Government had sought donors to fund the project.

The Speaker, Sir Peter Kenilorea, says at the moment MPs have to work from home, or if they are from outside Honiara, from their hotel rooms.

"I think it will enhance their important democratic and representational and oversight responsibility as members of parliament. It is built very close to the debating chamber and the Office of the Speaker and the Clerk of Parliament."

Sir Peter Kenilorea says plans for conference rooms and 50 individual office rooms have been drafted in the project which is expected to take two years to complete.