By Silas Lilo
W. Province Plans On Building Tsunami Memorial
The Western Provincial Government is embarking on a plan to build a monument in memory of their loved ones that have
died during the April tsunami and earthquake.
Speaking to the Communication Unit in Gizo the Premier of the Western Province Hon Alex Lokopio said the plan to
building the monument has been an on going plan of the Provincial Government after the tsunami struck on April 2 this
year.
He said the main motive of building the monument, on a location within the Gizo township, is to remember the 52 people
that have died as a result of the tsunami and earthquake.
"The monument will be completed before April 2 next year in time to commemorate the event ", he said
Lokopio said the memorial day would also be more or less a day where many people in the province who had been affected
by the earthquake and tsunami would share their experienced together.
Also he said on 2nd April 2008, the people in the Western Province will recall back the struggle which they went
through, especially in remembering the 52 people that have lost their lives and the thousands that have been left
homeless by the double disasters.
"It will be the day when people which lost their loved one would recall how their father, brother, sister, mother and
their relative lost their lives".
He said the Province had recommended that the 2nd April each year as one significant day which the the people in Western
Province will revere.
"Now the Provincial Disaster Committee is looking at ways to raise funds in order to facilitate this plan to a reality"
he said.
One of the event that was organised by the Disaster Committee to raise funds for the monument was the making of pldges
during the dinner hosted by the Premier on Friday, the provinces' 24th Second Appointed Day.
Other include individual fundraising drives organised by indiviuals, clubs and companies.
On this note Lokopio thanked the Tuna F.C Football of Noro Town for donating $1,000.00 for this project which was handed
over to the Chairman of Western Province Disaster Committee Mr Arnold Moveni.
In respond the President of Tuna F.C Football Club Mr Ishmael Kuvi said this money was raised in Gizo on November 30th
during the famous Sisiva Live concert tour in the Western Province.
He said the Tour of this band was funded by the Tuna F.C. Football Club mainly to raised money for the tsunami victims
in Western Province.
"This was the beginning. Next year the Tuna F.C. Football Club would arrange for a similar concert", Mr Kuvi said.
The Premier also thanked the Kolombagara Forestry Plantation Limited (KFPL) for donating $5000.00 which was handed to
the Deputy Premier Hon Oliver Zapo by Mr.Tim Bula, Human Resource Manager of KFPL for the enhancement of the monument
project.
"The monument was very vital because it would signify a period in the history of the province how they lost their loved
ones, friends, family members and their belonging on that time of natural calamity" he said.
Mr Lokopio said they still welcome donations and pledges from individuals and organisations whom might wish to assist
for this worthy cause.
ENDS