PM’s advice on Autonomous Bougainville Government

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill has called for prudent management of funds allocated by the National Government to the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG).

As part of his opening address to the Joint Supervisory Body meeting in Kokopo earlier this week, Mr O’Neill said he was pleased to note that the first batch of the K100 million earmarked for the ABG had been released to Bougainville authorities.

Mr O’Neill stated that it was important for the ABG to ensure that “relevant PIP expenditure guidelines are followed including compliance with approved 2012 Development Budget books”.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill being welcomed

by Tolai Tumbuans upon arrival in Kokopo, East New Britain Province

“Transparency and accountability are very important principles we need to adhere to for they will increase the level of trust and confidence our people on Bougainville will have on us”, Mr O’Neill said.

He also called for a concerted effort from national and Bougainville authorities in the implementation of programs approved under the funding to ensure that the “people of Bougainville feel and see developments in their lives”.

The Prime Minister further also spoke the need for a review of autonomy arrangements. He said that this needed to be expedited to ensure compliance with constitutional requirements. The review is critical for autonomy arrangements and preparations for Referendum in 2015.

Mr O’Neill further called for the strengthening of Bougainville’s public service machinery. He said that a strengthened public service, along with an effective “information dissemination drive” is crucial to seeing effective service delivery and implementation of other government programs.

He also encouraged leaders to establish reconciliation and trust among the people of Bougainville. He said weapons disposal and other development programs in the region hinges on the confidence the people of Bougainville will have in the ABG and the national government.

“We need to build bridges among our communities so to speak and give them the opportunity to communicate with one another and rediscover their potential.

“I believe this is the most plausible way forward to extending the reach and legitimacy of the ABG Government”, Mr O’Neill said.

The Prime Minster reassured the JSB meeting of the national government’s commitment to supporting the Bougainville government.