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The Kokoda Constituency in Central Bougainville has officially declared itself independence-ready.

Hon. Philip Pinaung, Constituency Member and Chairman of the Kokoda Constituency Independence Readiness Committee, announced the declaration yesterday, affirming that Kokoda has successfully met all six benchmarks outlined in the Bougainville Independence Mission Parliamentary Motion of 2020.

Kokoda constituency had previously achieved 67% rating for independence readiness in 2025 under the former member Rodney Osioco and the remaining 33% was achieved by the current Member Hon. Philip Pinaung.

Member Pinaung acknowledged the groundwork laid by his predecessor and pledged his full commitment to the remaining 33% of Kokoda’s preparations for 100% readiness.

“We have now achieved the remaining 33% readiness rating, through the successful execution of high priority enabling indicators, consistent with the Six Benchmarks of Independence Readiness,” Hon. Pinaung said.

The declaration highlighted major developments across governance, social, economic, and community sectors as follows:

Under Governance:

• Kokoda Tangkuranava Chiefs Haus – upholding its governance in traditional leadership and customary authority;
• Kokoda Administration Building – fostering administration and good governance to the people of Kokoda
• Kokoda-Solomon Islands Traditional Border Crossers Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) – formalising traditional relationships and regional cooperation

Under Social Development:

• Kokoda Community Grant Boxing facilities and Kokoda Recreation Field – building unity through sports, cultural events and local reconciliation ceremonies
• Kokoda Women’s Resource Centre – empowering women through dedicated support and development

Under Economic Development:

• Kerekere Customs Border Post - Strengthening border security and institutional presence

Under Human Resource:

• The Kokoda FODE Centre – expanding excess to Flexible Open and Distance Education

Under Law and Order:

• Kokoda Community Courts Justice Centre – the provision of law and order services in the Constituency

Under Standard of Living:

• Solar Electrification Project – reliable electrification service to communities in Kokoda.

These nine major development projects were officially launched today.

The declaration pledges Kokoda’s commitment to sustaining readiness as Bougainville prepares for Self-Government on September 1, 2027, and full sovereignty by 2030.

Hon. Pinaung emphasized that the readiness achievements reflect the unity and determination of Kokoda’s people.

“On behalf of my people of Kokoda Constituency, I hereby declare that we are Independence Ready. God bless Kokoda Constituency, and the soon to be Republic of North Solomons,” he said.

The declaration was witnessed and endorsed by community representatives, including chiefs, women leaders, youth, veterans, and church representatives, and traditional border Chiefs from the Solomon Islands.

The declaration was witnessed and verified by the Secretary for Department of Bougainville Independence Mission Implementation (DBIMI) Ms Stephanie Elizah and Deputy Clerk Parliament Mr Donald Missang.

The document was handed over to the Deputy Clerk of Parliament to present and table the report and statement in the September sitting of the Bougainville House of Representatives this year.

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