MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to be able to reaffirm after my meeting today with Papua New Guinea Minister for Bougainville Affairs, Mr Sam Akoitai, the Australian Government's ongoing support for community efforts towards the restoration of Bougainville.
I have advised Mr Akoitai that the Australian Government will provide $1.2 million for a project covering the distribution of urgently needed clothing; installation of water supply and sanitation works; training in cocoa rehabilitation for small holders; and the establishment of adult literacy programs.
The project will be managed by the Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA) which has been involved in Bougainville over a number of years. ADRA will contribute $210,000 of its own funds to the project, and has previous experience in these kind of projects elsewhere in Papua New Guinea.
The improving security situation in Bougainville means that Australia can help establish rehabilitation projects in areas which were previously inaccessible to aid efforts, as well as use a wider range of methods to deliver projects.
The project aims to focus on the districts of Tinputz and Wakunai, both on the east coast of the main island of Bougainville.
The Australian Government's aid agency, AusAID, has worked closely with ADRA to ensure that the project will complement other Australian aid activities currently operating or under consideration.
The project highlights the important role played by non-government organisations in helping to deliver Australia's overseas aid program.
The project will be funded as part of the five-year $100 million reconstruction and rehabilitation program for Bougainville which I announced in August last year.
Media Contacts:
Innes Willox (Minister's Office): (02) 6277 7500/0411 414695 Matt Francis (AusAID): (02) 6206 4967/0417 683 126