Bougainville Regional MP

MP Tsiamalili Jnr flew in from Rabaul, and then headed to Torokina to assess the situation and offer aid to those affected.

The eruption had a devastating impact on villages along the South and East coast, with Wakunai on the West side also being affected. Tsiamalili Junior, representing the National Government on behalf of Prime Minister James Marape and Deputy Prime Minister Hon John Rosso, as well as South and Central MPs, Timothy Masiu and Simon Domarinu, came to provide comfort and leadership to the people of Torokina.

Deputy Chair of the Committee and Bougainville Regional MP, Joe Lera, said this during the launching of the PNG NRI Bougainville Referendum Research Project’s sixth report on the Referendum.

“Our work has also been hampered in many ways, including access to limited funding and other support. Our Committee plays an important role in the future of Bougainville and we would need to do our part in informing Parliament on an appropriate course of action, when the results of the Referendum are considered by Parliament,” he said.

This is to improve the dissemination of information through the Island.

Basil said if need be, funding will be requested from the NEC towards the projects.

Bougainville Regional MP, Joe Lera, asked Minister Basil in parliament what plans are in place to improve radio coverage in Bougainville, with the current FM frequency only servicing a small segment of the population.

He said with the referendum preparations, many Bougainvilleans need to be informed.