THE dates for the ‘Yam Festival’ which will take place at the southern region of Malaita province is set for 24 – 27 of July 2016.
This was revealed by the chairman of the organizing committee and Member of Parliament (MP) for Small Malaita, Rick Hou during the launching of the festival’s logo and theme in Honiara on Monday.
It will also coincide with the 40th Anniversary of the “Haa Alaha Nga” (enthronement of the island’s Paramount Chief) on 27th July 1976. This will be the main highlight of the festival.
The festival activities will run for the three days which will feature demonstrations of various cultural activities, performances of various traditional dances and music, and exhibitions of various traditional artifacts.
Mr Hou added that the biggest challenge for the organising committee is the budget allocation for the festival.
“The capital budget entails the total cost for developing and constructing the village (cultural and festival). This is estimated at just above SBD$2.6 million.
“Given the constraints, and that the village is a long term project, we envisage this any funding to be expensive over the next few years – especially the permanent structures. Of that total amount, it is estimated that buildings and structures for completion this year will cost about SBD$870, 000,” the chairman said.
In his speech, he said that the recurrent budget comprise all administration and running cost of the secretariat and committees’ operations – most of which have started already.
“Other expense items are likely to be incurred next year such as transport and logical support, food and accommodation and other participants – related expenses.
“This component is estimated at SBD$1.2 million. Of that amount, it is estimated that SBD$335, 800 is required this year to prepare well for the event next year,” he highlighted.
By RONALD TOITO’ONA
