http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900sid/VVOS-7WKKC4?OpenDocument&rc=5&emid=TS-2009-000209-ASM

 

Interview: Samoa PM calls for more int'l fund for 
reconstruction 

Source: Xinhua News Agency 

Date: 06 Oct 2009 

APIA, Samoa, Oct 06, 2009 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- Samoa's Prime Minister Tuilaepa 
Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi said the most difficult job the country faces is reconstruction 
of the damaged houses in the tsunami and he called for more fund from the international 
community.  

As of Monday (local time), the official death toll from the devastating tsunami on Sept. 29 
has reached 142 and seven others are still missing. The disaster also caused massive 
damage to houses.  

"The cost (for reconstruction) will be millions and millions of dollars," Tuilaepa told Xinhua 
in an exclusive interview at the Prime Minister's Office on Monday.  

The south-eastern and southern coastal areas of Samoa's Upulo Island were mostly hit by 
the tsunami, where some villages and beach resorts were destroyed. The loss caused by 
the tsunami was estimated at 100 million U.S. dollars.  

The government encourages the villagers to build new house in higher ground inland, 
Tuilaepa said.  

Tuilaepa said with the help of the international community, the relief work is progressing 
and the damaged water pipes are being restored in some stricken areas.  

"It would possibly take about six months to restore electricity supplies, telecommunication 
network and transportation," he added.  

Tourism is the pillar industry of the South Pacific island country, with a population of 
180,000. The tourism revenue accounts for a quarter of the country's GDP.  

The prime minister said only a small number of the country's tourism facilities were 
destroyed. He said foreign tourists are welcome to tale vacations in Samoa.  

Tuilaepa said the Chinese leaders have conveyed condolences to the victims in Samoa 
and pledged assistance to disaster relief work. He said the Samoa government and people 
appreciate that.  

Samoan government officials said China has pledged 100,000 U.S. dollars for direct 
emergency relief work and another 30,000 U.S. dollars toward China Red Cross relief in 
Samoa. China also pledged relief materials worth 2 million yuan (about 292,941 U.S. 
dollars).  

Tuilaepa also said the country's people will have half a day off on Thursday for the 
memorial service for the victims at 3 p.m. (local time).