by Jack Lapauve Jr – EM TV, Port Moresby
The Torokina community in South Bougainville welcomed Operation Render Safe into their area and sees it as a positive step towards development.
ABG President, Chief Dr John Momis, said the operation will create a conducive atmosphere for the people and the government to embark on new social and economic development.
“I would also like to thank the leaders and people of Torokina for accepting the development in their communities and allowing this operation to create safer communities in the district,” he said.
President Momis said despite the incapacities of Bougainville’s internal revenue, the government is still committed to providing basic services to the people of Bougainville.
Minister for Bougainville Affairs, Steven Pirika stated that for too long, the people of Torokina suffered from the remnants of war left behind by allied forces.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams from the taskforce nations have uncovered over 3,000 landmines and bombs from World War Two.
Operation Render Safe is currently underway and involves military personnel from Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, New Zealand and police from the Solomon Islands.
