The Autonomous Bougainville Government is strengthening the capacity of local contractors to meet government tendering, procurement and contract management requirements through a two-day conference in Buka mid-August.
The Local Contractors Conference, organized by the ABG Department of Infrastructure and Utilities 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 Papua New Guinea’s National Department of Works and Highways.
The conference focuses on helping contractors understand the department’s and ABG’s tendering and procurement processes, including compliance requirements, technical and financial capacity, reporting systems, contract management and tender procedures.
The initiative is part of broader ABG efforts to strengthen local capacity and institutional readiness as Bougainville prepares to exercise greater powers under self-government from 2027 and works toward its stated goal of independence in 2030.
Acting DIU Secretary Wilfred Hanette said the conference provides an important platform for local contractors to better understand government requirements and the standards expected in delivering publicly funded infrastructure projects.
He said it would also help contractors understand the direction of the department 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.
ABG President Ishmael Toroama officially opened the conference, 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,” Toroama said, noting that the legislation also recognizes the participation of Bougainville contractors in government procurement.
ABG Infrastructure and Utilities Minister Patrick Nisira said the conference represented an important partnership between the government 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,” Nisira said.
He thanked contractors for attending, saying their participation demonstrated a commitment to improving their businesses, understanding government requirements and strengthening their contribution to Bougainville’s infrastructure development.
The conference is expected to strengthen the capacity and professionalism of local contractors and support greater participation by Bougainvillean businesses in government-funded infrastructure projects.
