B’ville farmers urged to aid recovery work

By STEPHANIE ELIZHA
COCOA and coconut smallholder farmers in Bougainville have been challenged to support the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) in its economic recovery by working hard to develop other small scale industries.
The challenge was issued by Bougainville Acting President Patrick Nisira in a statement released last week for the official opening of Iraka Bridge, in Central Bougainville, today.
Iraka Bridge is part of a K90 million government of Japan funded project to build 15 bridges between North and Central Bougainville.
The project began last year by contracted road construction company Kitano, which was commended for working within the project deadline of two years as evident by seven of the 15 bridges now being used.
Nisira said with these bridges open, there was no excuse for individuals to expect free government help.
He said the bridges would boost the Bougainville culture of doing business by giving access to markets and developing Bougainvilleans to actively take part in peace-building, reconciliation and living in harmony.
“Do not wait for handouts as there may not be any and there is a risk that you will miss your opportunity by waiting and you can wait forever for handout that will not come your way,” Nisira said.
He urged local communities to take the opportunity to start slowly and progress in time to build their own business to generate income for their families.
“I humbly ask the community near these bridges to please look after the bridges well as it is a vital link for all the people of Bougainville.
“It must unite us as one people and make us be part of our society,” he said.
He said the ABG intended to continue with the bridge programme to South Bougainville and negotiate the sealing of the highway from Kokopau to Central and South Bougainville.