Projects set for next three years
The Department of Primary Industries and Marine Resources has announced their intended projects to be implemented over the next three years.
Chief among these projects is the establishment of the Bougainville Fisheries Marine Authority (BFMA) which will be the independent body to oversee the implementation of the recent Memorandum of Understanding signed between the National Fisheries Authority and the Autonomous Bougainville Government in January this year.
Secretary for the Primary Industries Thomas Betitis says the establishment of the BFMA is critical to ensure that the fisheries powers and functions are drawn down from the national government to the ABG.
“Under the MoU there are projects that must be implemented and the Bougainville Marine Fisheries Authority is the most important one.”
“The BFMA will be the authorized body that will enable the ABG to exercise its full responsibilities over fisheries matters in Bougainville. This includes the responsibility to negotiate with the national government on the formula for revenue generation from the tuna catch within the three nautical miles in Bougainville waters,” explained Betitis.
Other projects that the Department will also be implementing over the next three years include:
- Capacity and infrastructure for the fisheries sector
- Buka Jetty and Shore Base facilities
- Sea Boundary Delimitation survey
- Tuna Cannery Feasibilities Studies
- Completion of the Kieta Cool Room
- Sea Cucumber Facilities
- Seaweed Shed
- Coastal Fisheries Development Support
- Inland Fisheries Development Support
- AROB Breeding and Supply Center
- Duncan Hatchery-Agriculture & Livestock
- Forestry-Native Species Nursery
Meanwhile, Secretary Betitis has called on the people of Bougainville to be patient and to allow the ABG through the Department to carry out its work.
“I ask the people of Bougainville to understand that these projects will be implemented through the processes stipulated in the MoU and the department will ensure that all communities will benefit from these projects,” he said.
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