Fourteen Bekut sub-clans reconcile to support correctional facility

Fourteen sub-clans in Bekut, North Bougainville, have set aside longstanding differences to support the development of a correctional facility on their customary land.

The reconciliation and reintegration ceremony took place on Aug. 28 at Bekut village on Gengan land, where the Bekut Correctional Facility is being established. Sub-clan chiefs, landowners and representatives of the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the national government attended.

Julianne Sapaka, deputy secretary of the Department of Law and Justice, thanked the chiefs for resolving disputes that had slowed the project. She said the Autonomous Bougainville Government remained committed to ensuring that the facility served its intended purpose.

Sapaka said the centre would help rehabilitate offenders, particularly young people, and support their return to their communities as responsible individuals. The Law and Justice Sector will continue working with the clans and other stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues and build agreement around the project.

Virginia Rema, chairlady of the Peit Community Government, called on the sub-clans and the wider constituency to maintain unity. She said the facility could bring other government services and opportunities to Peit and urged residents not to obstruct its development and equipment. The centre is being upgraded to house offenders and provide rehabilitation programmes.

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The Autonomous Bougainville Government is committed to ensuring the Bekut Correctional Facility serves its intended purpose.