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Ground Breaking Ceremony for Pohnpei State Administration Building

Palikir, POHNPEI (FSM Information Service): November 30, 2007 - The Ground-Breaking Ceremony for the New Pohnpei State Administration Building officially took place November 16, 2007 at Pehi Lapalap in Kolonia.

Wasa Lapalap Sahngoro, Nahnmwarki of U, Pwoud Lepen Nett, Nahnmwarki of Nett, their Majestic ladies, Iso Nahnken Iriarte of Nett and his royal lady along with Wasahi Madolenihmw represented the Pohnpei Traditional Leaders to the Ceremony.

Representing the National Government were His Excellency Manny Mori, President of the Federated States of Micronesia, and Congressman Fredrico Primo of Pohnpei.

Governor David who spoke on behalf of the Government of Pohnpei conveyed gratitude to the people of China for approving the funding of this project and expressed appreciation to the FSM National Government, especially the Department of Foreign Affairs for the unwavering assistance to Pohnpei State so that this project is a reality today.

President Manny Mori extended appreciation to Madam Ambassador LIU and the government of the People's Republic of China for their generous contribution to this project, and congratulated Governor David for his vision and leadership by which ground breaking is possible, although it has been a long awaited project.

The New Pohnpei State Administration Building will be standing beautifully in about eighteen (18) months according to Ambassador LIU.

Ambassador LIU Fei indicated that, "When it's complete, it will be a two stories office building with 2990 square meters. It has the Micronesian traditional style. There are office rooms, meeting rooms, a conference room and an elevator. It has air conditioning and an intellectualization system. The construction materials are for the energy saving and environmental protection."

The Traditional Leaders Decree, by Iso Nahnkeniken Iriarte of Nett, stated that what's important about this is it is a donation from a bigger foreign country to those who proposed the projrect. More importantly, "Who would fill up the offices and would be working here? People.

"Who would pay for these employees? People. Who would uphold adoration for the building and who would protect, secure and maintain the building? People." That is why it is very important, according to Iso Nahnken Iriarte, "Because, it is a place where people will come together to plan, organize and execute their duties as assigned by the government. Thus, the Traditional Leader of Pohnpei sends good wishes and the best for all"; Iso concluded.

The ceremony ended with a traditional dance by the Senipehn Youth Group and distribution of food and sakau provided by the Pohnpei State Government Departments.