A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be signed next week between the PNG and Autonomous Region of Bougainville (ARoB) Government for the devolution of powers to the self-governing island.
A delegation led by Minister for Public Services, Sir Puka Temu, and Personnel Management Secretary, John Kali, will travel to ARoB to execute the MOU which is a requirement under the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
The MOU will see the decentralisation of National Government powers to the ARoB Government and include: human resource management; education, labour and employment; agriculture and livestock; communication and information; community development, arts and culture; health; tourism; and environment and conservation.
Minister Temu and Secretary Kali have been pivotal in helping to establish the Bougainville Public Service and creating the necessary accountabilities for the drawdown of these national powers.
Secretary Kali said capacity development of institutions and staff of the Bougainville Public Service was crucial so that powers are effectively assumed and utilised for the good of the people.
Kali and Minister Temu appealed to all agency heads concerned to cooperate in implementing this milestone agreement.
They say the effective and proper implementation of the MOU will empower the Bougainville Public Service to help in the full attainment of autonomy in readiness for the referendum.
The MOU will be signed on Monday, March 20.
Picture: Department of Personnel Management Secretary, John Kali (file photo).