Kokopau residents benefit from 50 new solar streetlights
The residents of Kokopau Urban are proud recipients of 50 newly installed solar street and beachfront lights, delivered with the support of the Office of the Member for North Bougainville, Hon. Francesca Semoso.
The official handover marks an important milestone in improving public lighting, safety and the overall development of Kokopau, one of Bougainville’s growing townships.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, ABG Member for Selau Constituency, Hon. Paul Cheung, highlighted the significance of the project and urged residents to take ownership and responsibility for maintaining the newly installed solar lights.
The 50 solar lights have been installed along the main streets and beachfront areas, including the Kokopau main boat stop.
Hon. Cheung said the project reflected the ongoing development taking place in Kokopau and Selau as a whole, with government and municipal services continuing to expand in the township.
“Government and municipal services are being provided in this small township, and we are growing. But with development comes responsibility.
“We must be honest, as law and order is a major issue here, with liquor bars operating outside their normal trading hours and an increase in the buying and selling of illicit substances and homebrew within the township,” he said.
He called on local leaders to strengthen good governance and address law and order concerns in Kokopau and Selau.
Meanwhile, Hon. Semoso also encouraged residents to take ownership of the new infrastructure and ensure the streetlights are properly looked after.
She said the lighting project was part of a broader plan to improve Kokopau township, with further developments planned for the beachfront.
“Kokopau beachfront will also undergo landscape transformation to improve the beachfront and carpark area by January 2027,” she said.
She added that other ongoing initiatives, including the distribution of water tanks, would also continue.
Hon. Cheung acknowledged Hon. Semoso for her leadership, vision and commitment to delivering the project for the people of Kokopau.
He also acknowledged the North Bougainville District Development Authority (DDA) Members, Chairman of Kokopau Urban Community Government, Hon. Michael Katoa, Kokopau, Selau and Suir Ward Members and other stakeholders who attended the handover ceremony.
Hon. Cheung also added that as part of its independence preparedness priorities, Selau Constituency has allocated an estimated K200,000 towards the full renovation of one of its oldest district office complexes, established in 2000.
He said the renovated complex will bring the Kokopau Urban Community Government offices, Selau Constituency office, North Bougainville Regional Women’s Office for North Mainland, and a police post under one roof to improve coordination and service delivery.
The renovation is expected to be completed early next year. Hon. Cheung also identified strengthening police presence and addressing law and order concerns as key priorities, with plans to establish a police station at Bonus as the next major initiative.
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