Recovery Planning begins as ABG shifts SOE response towards reconstruction
ABG Minister for Community Government and Chairman of the State of Emergency (SOE) Ministerial Committee, Hon. Milton Tukana, has officially opened a two-day Strategic Planning Workshop for Prong Three of the Bougainville State of Emergency Response Framework.
The workshop brings together key government officials and emergency response personnel, including Chief Secretary and Bougainville Emergency Controller, Mr Kearnneth Nanei; Secretary for Community Government and Deputy Emergency Controller, Ms Belinda Lanbong; Departmental Secretaries; Regional Directors; District Coordinators; and representatives of the Regional Operations Centres.
Opening the workshop, Minister Tukana extended the ABG’s deepest sympathies to families and communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila.
“On behalf of the Government, I extend our heartfelt condolences to those who have lost loved ones and our deepest sympathies to families who have lost homes, food gardens, livelihoods and community infrastructure during this unprecedented disaster,” Minister Tukana said.
He noted that more than 57,000 people have been affected across Bougainville and that 31 lives have been lost as a result of the disaster.
“Thousands remain displaced. Entire food systems have been destroyed, critical transport links severed, schools and health facilities damaged, and many communities left vulnerable to both humanitarian and environmental threats,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Minister Tukana commended the resilience of Bougainville communities and emphasized that the workshop marks an important transition from emergency response to long-term recovery, reconstruction and resilience-building.
“The decisions made during this workshop will directly influence how quickly our communities recover and how effectively essential services are restored. They will also shape our capacity to withstand future climate-related disasters,” he said.
Minister Tukana encouraged participants to engage openly, think strategically and identify practical solutions that support a shared vision for Bougainville’s recovery.
“Let us approach these discussions with urgency, purpose and a commitment to accountability,” he said.
The Minister outlined several priority areas for recovery and reconstruction, including the permanent restoration of key infrastructure such as bridges and major transport corridors, strengthening seawall protection for vulnerable atoll communities, rebuilding schools and health facilities, restoring essential services, supporting agricultural recovery and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure.
He acknowledged that difficult decisions may also be required.
“There are communities, particularly those located in high-risk geohazard zones, where relocation may now be the only safe and sustainable option,” he said.
“Equally important is strengthening our preparedness systems by empowering our first responders through ward-level disaster preparedness plans. These must become an integral part of our long-term recovery strategy.”
Minister Tukana stressed that the success of Prong Three would depend on strong leadership, sustained financial support and effective partnerships.
“None of these priorities can be achieved in isolation. The success of Prong Three depends on strong political leadership, sustained financial support and genuine collaboration across all levels of government and with our development partners,” he said.
The current estimated cost of recovery and reconstruction stands at approximately K117.9 million.
“This requirement extends well beyond the capacity of any single agency or department. We must continue working together under a unified whole-of-government and whole-of-Bougainville approach,” Minister Tukana said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the SOE Ministerial Committee to provide the political leadership, policy support and advocacy necessary to mobilise resources and secure the partnerships required to implement the recovery agenda.
Minister Tukana reminded participants that the workshop was more than a planning exercise.
“It is an opportunity to demonstrate Bougainville’s readiness, credibility and capacity to lead its own recovery,” he said.
“The quality of the plans we develop, the priorities we set and the implementation framework we agree upon will directly influence our ability to secure additional support from the National Government, development partners and the international community.
“Funding follows confidence. Confidence is built through strong planning, clear priorities, sound coordination and accountability.”
Minister Tukana concluded by acknowledging the dedication and commitment of frontline responders, Community Governments, District Administrations, Regional Operations Centres, churches, volunteers, humanitarian partners and public servants who have worked tirelessly under challenging conditions to support affected communities throughout the emergency response.
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