Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has received the Five-Year District Development Plan for Central Bougainville District in front of the people from the district, signifying its launch in Arawa on Friday.
The Plan will cost up to K400 million in its full implementation with Prime Minister Marape calling on the Autonomous Bougainville Government to work with the National Government to bring in the money for its full delivery.
In his speech to the people, Prime Minister Marape said he was pleased with the plan as it incorporates both the National Government Medium Term Development Plan IV and the Bougainville Integrated Strategic Development Plan 2023 – 2027.
“A plan is like a road that will take us to our destination, and I am happy with this plan. Your leader from the National Government has planned very well. This plan will mobilise the leadership on the ground at the local level government and Bougainville government level, as well as at national government level, and important stakeholders.”
“In your plan, you brought in the National Government Plan (MTDP IV) and also the Bougainville Government plan – the Bougainville Integrated Strategic Development Plan 2023 – 2027,” he said, adding that this was an acknowledgement of the need to have both governments work together to take Central Bougainville into the next stage of development.
“I have seen your plan. Its full cost is about K300 million to K400 million. Let us all contribute the money and continue working until we reach the destination we want,” Prime Minister Marape said.
PM Marape continued by reassuring the people of Central Bougainville that the National Government would continue funding key impact projects in Bougainville and making available district allocations, including allocations for their district.
“Each district, including the three districts in Bougainville, will get almost K20 million a year in terms of allocations.
“So if you invest well by retiring some of the plan that you have, and with help from National Government and Bougainville Government, certainly, within five years, we would have done something. We have already moved forward a little already.”
He said it was important that Bougainville districts work at delivering their plans fully within the given time so that by the end of a certain period, Bougainville can be at a place of political and economic development that Bougainvillean aspire for.
“When we all work together, within five years, we have moved forward to the next destination; and the following five years, to the next destination, until we arrive at the final destination that you all aspire for as a people,” he said.