B’ville opens new offices for law, justice sector

LAW and justice sector in Bougainville achieved a milestone when it opened its new offices in Arawa, Central Bougainville, last Friday.
The opening was made possible by President Ishmael Toroama and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG).
Funded by ABG at a cost of K597,000, the complex provides office space for three key law and justice agencies: Department of Justice and Attorney-General – Community-based corrections, Office of the Public Solicitor and ABG Department of Justice and Legal Services.
The opening of the complex was stalled for five years after its completion in 2015 due to funding constraints in the ABG.
After Toroama’s election in September, he made a commitment for funding to be made available for the completion of the building.
Toroama ensured the final payment of K197,000 was made available to the ABG’s law and justice sector to allow the building to be opened.
He stressed on improving law and order in Bougainville as a key part of his term in office.
The opening of these offices allows the three agencies to expand their operations, increasing access to crucial law and justice services for the people of Central and South Bougainville.
Present at the opening was National Public Solicitor Lesley Mamu, Australian High Commission minister counsellor Dr Michael McKenzie, ABG Law and Justice secretary Kearneth Nanei, commander of the Bougainville police service Francis Tokura and Magistrate Bruce Tasikul.