ABG hosts Contractors Workshop in Buka
The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) is strengthening the capacity of local contractors to understand and meet government tendering, procurement and contract management requirements through a two-day Local Contractors Conference being held in Buka this week.
The conference, organised by the ABG Department of Infrastructure and Utilities (DIU) in partnership with the Australian Government, brings together local contractors, construction service providers, engineers, procurement and contract management officers, development partners, senior public servants and representatives from the National Department of Works and Highways.
The conference is focused on improving local contractors’ understanding of the tendering and procurement processes of DIU and the ABG Government, including compliance requirements, technical and financial capacity, reporting systems, contract management and the overall tender process.
It also forms part of the ABG’s broader efforts to strengthen local capacity and institutional readiness as Bougainville prepares to exercise greater powers under self-government from 2027 and works towards its stated goal of independence in 2030.
Acting Secretary for DIU Wilfred Hanette said the conference provides an important platform for local contractors to better understand government requirements and the standards expected in the delivery of publicly funded infrastructure projects.
He said the conference would also help contractors understand the direction of DIU and reposition their businesses to participate more effectively in Bougainville’s infrastructure development as the ABG prepares for the next stages of its political development.
President of the ABG, His Excellency Hon. Ishmael Toroama, officially opened the conference today, welcoming the initiative as an opportunity to strengthen local contractors’ understanding of the Bougainville Tenders and Supplies Board Act 2015.
“I welcome the opportunity provided by DIU to encourage local contractors to honour the Bougainville Tenders and Supplies Board Act 2015,” he said, adding that the Act also recognizes the participation of Bougainville contractors in government procurement.
ABG Minister for Infrastructure and Utilities, Hon. Patrick Nisira, said the conference represented an important partnership between the ABG and Bougainville’s local contracting industry.
“Its purpose is to help Bougainvillean businesses compete fairly, win contracts and deliver projects professionally, so that every kina invested in infrastructure brings lasting benefits to our people,” he said.
Minister Nisira thanked the contractors who attended the conference, saying their participation demonstrated a commitment to improving their businesses, understanding government requirements and strengthening their contribution to Bougainville’s infrastructure development.
“Your attendance shows a commitment to improve your businesses, understand Government requirements and strengthen your participation in Bougainville’s infrastructure development.”
The conference is expected to strengthen the capacity and professionalism of local contractors and support greater participation of Bougainvillean businesses in government-funded infrastructure projects.
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