EU says supports Sierra Leone's new parliament with 3 mln euros

FREETOWN, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The European Union said Tuesday it would support Sierra Leone's new parliament with 3 million euros to facilitate the work of the legislators, rehabilitate committee rooms and the IT system in the House of Parliament.

EU Head of Delegation to Sierra Leone Tom Vens made the announcement at an induction ceremony of 146 newly elected members of parliament.

He said the EU would provide embedded technical assistance to parliamentary administration, which would start next month and continue for the next three years.

"We would finance critical infrastructure works with three million euro, to facilitate the work of the legislators," Vens said. "

"Several parts of this building, which dates back to 1961, are in need of repairs, including improvements to the water and sanitation system and the rehabilitation of committee rooms. The IT system currently does not meet the parliament's needs, nor does the sound system in the plenary room," he said.

The new Sierra Leone parliament will start sitting on Thursday, Apirl 19, and members of parliament will elect the speaker. Enditem