8 Mar 2012

Samoa yet to start demolition of old parliament

3:41 pm on 8 March 2012

Police in Samoa are now guarding the old fono building which is scheduled to be demolished today.

The 94-year old former parliament was due to be demolished today, but work has not yet started, and may now go ahead tomorrow.

The government says the building is unsafe, and it wants to use the space for this year's celebrations of the 50th anniversary of independence.

Our correspondent in Apia says about 100 people opposed to the demolition went to Mulinuu this morning to show their concerns.

The speaker and the opposition party as well some members of parliament greeted the people, and the speaker again explained the reasons by the government.