Bougainville in complete control of marine sector

THE national Government has begun the progressive handover of fisheries powers from the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) to the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) with the signing of an agreement yesterday.
The signing followed a presentation of K15 million to the ABG by Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Patrick Basa and NFA managing-director John Kasu.
The event was witnessed by officials from both governments.
Basa said that National Fisheries Authority was a “reputable partner” in the memorandum of agreement and would commit itself towards assisting ABG in developing the fisheries sector in Bougainville.
He said NFA annually funded K1 million to maritime provinces, K500,000 for Highlands provinces and K1 million for the Autonomous Region of Bougainville government.
He said previous funding had facilitated the development of projects in Bougainville and would continue this support in the future.
“The NFA recognised the importance of working with provinces, including the Autonomous Region of Bougainville,” Basa said.
“Since 2003, NFA has established agreement with respective provincial administrations including the ABG, that provides for the delivery of delegated functions of the National Fisheries Authority.
“As part of the materialisation of this agreement, and as per the joint supervisory body meeting in Port Moresby in December 2017, I am pleased to present to the people and ABG a cheque for K15 million.
“It is anticipated that that this funding will be used to assist sustainable fisheries development programmes and related activities within the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.”
ABG president John Momis commended Base for the agreement signing and funding considering that he had held the portfolio for less than a year.