Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, James Marape, officially launched the Five-Year Development Plan for Central Bougainville in Arawa Town yesterday.
The launch event was attended by Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama, Regional Member for Bougainville Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, and cabinet ministers from both the National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
The Five-Year Plan (2023 – 2027), initiated by the Member for Central Bougainville Fr. Simon Dumarinu, aims to enhance service delivery and promote self-reliance in the electorate. The plan, themed “Paving the Way Forward for Socio-Economic Development through Empowering Service Delivery,” will focus on economic development, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and governance.
Fr. Dumarinu emphasized that the plan is designed to prepare the people of Central Bougainville for independence. He noted that it aligns with the strategic development plans of both the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the National Government.
President Toroama highlighted the plan’s importance in raising the standard of living in Central Bougainville through economic and sustainable development. He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Marape for his continued commitment to the people and government of Bougainville.
During the launch, Prime Minister Marape called for increased collaboration between the ABG and National Government to implement the plan. He expressed his appreciation for the development progress in Central Bougainville and thanked the ABG leadership under President Toroama and Fr. Simon Dumarinu for fostering regional development.
Marape reiterated the National Government’s commitment to providing the best services to the people, stating that the plan, along with the strategic plans of both governments, serves as a blueprint for development in Central Bougainville.
