MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to report that restoration activities on Bougainville are moving
ahead again following the return of aid workers to the province in
mid-April.>
An Australian funded General Practitioner and a medical technologist have
recommenced work at Sohano Hospital and two more medical personnel including one
surgeon are due to commence within the next two months.
The site supervisor for the Bougainville Health and Education Restoration
Project has returned to supervise construction work on the new Buka
Hospital.
Most importantly, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent
Societies has recommenced their program on mainland Bougainville providing
assistance to families across the island.
Six thousand 'family packs' of essential goods including clothing, cooking
utensils, soaps and gardening tools are being distributed to families across the
main island of Bougainville.
Activities are also under way on the upgrading of Holy Cross High School on
Nissan Island and design work is continuing on a project to strengthen the
Bougainville College of Distance Education.
Work on the upgrading of Buka Airport is due to commence shortly. This is
part of a wider program of airport maintenance and upgrading throughout Papua
New Guinea which will improve safety conditions and the economic development of
the country.
I have agreed that Australia will provide assistance in provincial
restoration and in building up the capacity of the Bougainville Transitional
Government and the soon to be formed Councils of Elders. This kind of support is
part of Australia's support for the peace process on Bougainville.
I am also pleased to announce that, following an invitation from the Premier
of Bougainville Gerard Sinato, that Australia and PNG will cooperate on a
detailed planning mission to Bougainville from 3 - 8 May to determine the nature
of this assistance, including community level development and technical
assistance to the Bougainville Transitional Government.
Media contact: Peter Collins (Mr Downer's office): 0411 414
695(mobile) Donelle Wheeler (AusAID): 206 4960