Law and order in Bougainville has been strengthened following the Buka launch of the Bougainville Police Infrastructure Project (BPIP).
BPIP will deliver new police stations in Arawa and Buin, as well as upgrades to Buka Police Station.
The works, originally valued at PGK 27.5 million and funded under the Australia-Papua New Guinea Bilateral Security Agreement or BSA, align with ABG’s plans to rehabilitate and develop public infrastructure for the delivery of more effective law and justice services.
At the launch, Australian High Commission Minister Counsellor Madeleine Moss said that the funding and resulting infrastructure will lead to better policing outcomes in ABG.
“Australia is pleased to provide this funding to significantly upgrade police station infrastructure in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Australia’s funding is part of our long-standing commitment to work with Government of PNG and the ABG to strengthen security and law and order,” she said.
Australia’s investment in police infrastructure complements investments by Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. Chief Secretary to the Government of Papua New Guinea, Ivan Pomaleu, announced that the Government of PNG will provide an additional PGK 5 million to police housing. New Zealand Deputy High Commissioner Charlie Gillard announced New Zealand’s intention to refurbish the Police Training Centre in Buka.
Chief Secretary Pomaleu said that this additional investment was putting more police on the beat in Bougainville.
“The project is timely and aligns with the ABG's plans to rehabilitate and develop public infrastructure for the delivery of more effective law and justice services,” he said.
Chief Secretary Pomaleu also acknowledged the important role of Minister for Police and Regional Member for Bougainville, Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jnr. as a key member of the PNG negotiating team for the Bilateral Security Agreement and supporting funding for this project.
The launch was also officiated by Chief Secretary to the Autonomous Bougainville Government Kearnneth Nanei and Francis Tokura, Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Bougainville Police.
This investment in modern, purpose-built facilities will enable the Bougainville Police Service to deliver more effective, responsive, and community-focused policing; contributing to better law and justice outcomes for the people of Bougainville.
ENDS
Chief Secretary to the Autonomous Bougainville Government Kearnneth Nanei, Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Bougainville Police, Francis Tokura and Australian High Commission Minister-Counsellor, Madeleine Moss at the official ribbon cutting.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100