Southern Highlands Governor William Powi

US$50m in Trust Fund for Earthquake relief

This was revealed by Finance Minister, James Marape, in Parliament on February 24th.

Marape said the funds would be released for infrastructure projects and related programs.

Following questions by the Southern Highlands Governor, William Powi, and North Fly MP pertaining to the funds earmarked for areas affected by the earthquake, the Finance Minister revealed that more than K150 million was in a Trust Account.

Bougainville issues too sensitive for discussions: Powi

However, he made it clear that matters of Bougainville are of paramount importance, including that of Bougainville’s referendum, and discussions should be debated often.

Powi recently headed the National Parliamentary Bipartisan Committee on Bougainville Matters, where issues relating to the autonomous region went under the spotlight after a week-long assessment and consultations were carried out.