Akoitai: Remoteness presenting obstacles

Central Bougainville MP Sam Akoitai says that there are challenges faced by the Autonomous Bougainville Government in conducting awareness on the proposed referendum in remote areas of Bougainville.
“There is a steady progress in awareness on the referendum done by the ABG in all the constituencies,” he said.
“But, yes, there needs to be more awareness mostly in remote areas.. But then support has to come from national government for resource and funding for people to get to the remote areas.
“Yes, there is lot to be done. But then we Bougainvilleans are the obstacle to our own economy. You cannot blame the national government for that. We Bougainvilleans are underpinning our own economy. This forum is good to know questions so that we implement the Bougainville Peace Agreement fully.
“But, generally, all Bougainvilleans are preparing to vote for their future during the referendum in 12 months’ time. Currently, there is steady progress in reconciliation ceremonies going on between conflicting groups and, yes, weapons are also being surrendered and disposed of.”