Crisis talks as cash runs out on B’ville
16 February 2011
BY KEITH JACKSON
As the people of Bougainville suffer from their government’s revenue crisis, a delegation led by President John Momis is in Port Moresby seeking funds it says are owed to it by the national government.
For many months the PNG national government has delayed payments of K15 million due to the Autonomous Bougainville Government and this is the most important issue on the agenda at this week’s ‘Joint Supervisory Body Meeting’.
Meanwhile, cash is scarce in Bougainville.
“As the two governments continue playing their politics, people on Bougainville are feeling the pinch of these delays,” reports Radio New Dawn FM on Buka.
Businesses providing services to the autonomous government have tightened credit in the face of huge outstanding bills and schools, having not received subsidies for the last two years, have called on parents to urgently pay their school fees.
Business Association Chairman, Thomas Raban, yesterday called on the Bougainville government to speed up payments..
Source: New Dawn FM
Bougainville was the catalyst for major change in PNG. Because of the impact of the copper mine on the PNG economy, Bougainvilleans sought independence immediately after PNG's own independence from Australia.
As a result, the concept of provincial government was designed and introduced. However, this did not satisfy elements of Bougainville society and the end result was the destruction of the mine itself.
Finally, the matter has been resolved with full autonomy for Bougainville but it will take much time and money to attract back the investment to re-open the mine to production capabilty.
Surely K15 million+ is a small price to pay.
Posted by: Ross Wilkinson | 16 February 2011 at 07:26 PM
The PNG government owes billions to Bougainville and K15 million is just small change for Waigani.
If the government really wants to shore up its support amongst Bougainvilleans before next year's national election, now is not a good time to keep frustrating them.
Michael Somare should give John Momis what he needs to boost his island's economy and community to move forward.
Posted by: Reginald Renagi | 16 February 2011 at 10:43 AM