Minister of Information and Culture Mounkeo Oraboun has called for public donations to the construction of the Vientiane City Pillar Pavilion.
Mr Mounkeo, who is also President of the City Pillar Pavilion Project Committee, yesterday spoke at a press conference at the National Culture Hall in Vientiane .
He said excavations have uncovered 473 original city pillars and these will be displayed at the pavilion to be built in Phiavat village, Sisattanak district.
“The objective of the new Vientiane City Pillar Pavilion is to provide a place where the original city pillars can be displayed, while the area will also include a museum.”
He said the government is spending 15 billion kip on the project and is allowing members of the public to contribute to the construction of the pavilion, which will ensure the pillars are properly cared for and on display for everyone to see.
“Contributions from the public will be an important factor in ensuring the original pillars remain in Laos for current and future generations to appreciate,” he said.
Mr Mounkeo said the pavilion and nearby museum will serve as a place of cultural interest for visitors, promoting important national history.
“We will present certificates of appreciation to donors. The certificates will range in quality and value depending on the donation, which will be split into four categories - 10 million kip or more, 5-10 million kip, 1-5 million kip, and less than one million kip.”
Director General of the Ministry of Information and Culture's National Heritage Department, Mr Thongsa Sayavongkhamdy, said encouraging public donations did not mean the project lacked funding, but was meant to provide an opportunity for individuals and companies to participate in a historic project and also to make merit.
“You will be very proud when you are a part of the effort to establish this pavilion,” he said.
Mr Thongsa said there has already been some interest in contributing to the project from international companies and investors. On Wednesday, the Lao President and Prime Minister, along with other senior officials, will attend a groundbreaking ceremony to launch the project.
Construction of the pavilion and museum is expected to be completed by the end of next year.
People wishing to make donations can contact the ministry on the following numbers: +85621 212416 +85621 212416+85621 212416, +86520 9801478, +85620 9801476 +85620 9801476+85620 9801476 and +85621 212401 (fax).
Contributions can also be made via special accounts at the Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao. Account number 010-011-00-00054 for kip and 010-111-01-00098 for dollar donations.
