Bougainville Contractors Urged to Lead with Professionalism and Accountability

Local contractors in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville have been called to lead a new era of professionalism and accountability as the region intensifies its infrastructure development efforts. This directive was issued at the opening of the ABG Local Contractor Conference in Buka, a two-day event gathering over 100 contractors and government officials.

The conference, hosted by the Department of Infrastructure and Utilities with support from DFAT (Australia) and MFAT (New Zealand), aimed to educate contractors on compliance, mandatory capability requirements, reporting systems, and contract management. Minister for Infrastructure and Utilities, Patrick Nisira, emphasized that professionalism must be a two-way street, stating, "We cannot demand professionalism from contractors if Government officers are not professional themselves." He stressed that fostering accountability is the critical first step toward meaningful sector improvement and protecting workers and their families.

Workplace safety was a major focus, with stern warnings issued against operating without proper insurance. Supervisors were cautioned against ignoring established safety protocols. Contractors are obligated to report unsafe conditions immediately and strictly adhere to all safety procedures. In a move toward transparency, the responsibilities of government bodies were also discussed, acknowledging the need for local councils to provide high-quality, responsive services while promoting economic growth and protecting the environment.

Contractors were reminded of their duty to respect the communities in which they operate, especially those with families and children. Organizers issued clear warnings that failure to comply with laws and regulations could result in legal action. Minister Nisira concluded the opening session by urging contractors to champion professionalism and accountability in their work.

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We cannot demand professionalism from contractors if Government officers are not professional themselves. Our officers must follow professional guidelines, and we want professionals to be able to work with them professionally.