Assist new MP: Lera

BOUGAINVILLE Regional MP and Bougainville Affairs Minister Joe Lera has called on the people of South Bougainville to work with their new member Timothy Masiu.
He told the people that Masiu had nine months to deliver services before next year’s general election and it was their responsibility to support and assist him.
“We must understand that leaders are servants and if people are not willing and able to work with the leaders, nothing can be achieved,” Lera said.
He thanked the people of South Bougainville and the Electoral Commission for the successful completion of the by-election.
“The successful conduct of the South Bougainville by-election clearly demonstrates people’s seriousness in good governance,” Lera said.
He pointed out that Bougainville needed a collaborative effort by all leaders at all levels with the support of the people and stakeholders to address outstanding issues.
Lera said the issue of referendum under the Bougainville peace agreement was a priority on the agenda between the Bougainville government, the people of Bougainville and the Government which needed to be achieved.
He said for that to happen leaders must provide strong leadership and political mobilisation to empower people through transformational development such as education, health, agriculture, roads and infrastructure.