Construction
of a 12-storeyed Parliament Building, with funds pledged by the Kuwait
Government several years ago, will at long last begin in autumn. Secretary
General of the Parliament Office, Ts.Sharavdorj, answers questions on the
landmark project.

Where will it be built?

The
site finally selected is the garden to the north of Government House.

But there were many
protests against destroying the garden?

The
garden will not be destroyed. Actually, there will be more trees and fountains in
the area when construction is finished. I hope people stop politicizing this
matter.

Why could it not be built
it in some other place, for example, where the old printing complex stands?

I
don’t know about that. There were even suggestions to build it in Yarmag and
Zaisan. It was decided that a downtown area would be more suitable.

Why did we need a new
Parliament building?

The
present Government House is crammed for space. There must be separate offices
for all 76 MPs. The new building would also mean more comfortable working
conditions for journalists. It will have two underground floors, and a general
conference hall like German Bundestag. Citizens can swatch proceedings from
above.

The Kuwait Government
agreed to spend USD12 million several years ago. Will this be enough now that
all prices have risen?

The
Kuwait Government has said there’s no need to worry about the funding.

Didn’t we also ask
Kuwait for funds to build a central library and a general hospital?

They
want us to first build the Parliament House.

Ten Mongolian companies are
believed to be interested in getting the building contract. How will the final
selection be made?

All
bids have been sent to Kuwait, where the selection will take place. One Mongolian
company and one from Kuwait will be chosen to work together. We hope the construction
to take 2-3 years.