ABG reclaims former North Solomons government building in Arawa

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has finally regained control of the former North Solomons Provincial Government building in Arawa Town, commonly known as the XYZ Building, after many years of effort.

The breakthrough came after talks between Lands and Physical Planning Minister and North Nasioi MP Henry Johns Potabu and local businessman William Toroama, who had been occupying the government-owned building.

Following the discussions, Mr Toroama and other business tenants agreed to vacate the building by April. He also withdrew his earlier claim for K6 million in compensation, allowing the property to be returned safely to the ABG.

Since coming into office, the government led by President Ishmael Toroama has made it a priority to recover government land and buildings in Arawa, Kieta and Toniva. The aim is to strengthen the ABG’s presence in key centres across Bougainville.

Previous attempts by former Lands Ministers to reclaim the XYZ Building were unsuccessful.

Minister Johns Potabu said respectful dialogue and mutual understanding helped resolve the long-standing issue. He said he appealed to Mr Toroama to understand the ABG’s need to re-establish a strong government presence in Central Bougainville.

He thanked Mr Toroama for his cooperation, saying the agreement is an important step in securing key government assets for the people of Bougainville.

Meanwhile, Minister Johns Potabu also announced plans to build a new Bougainville Parliament on the same site once the building is fully vacated.

Since 2005, the ABG has been operating its House of Representatives from a building owned by the University Centre at Kubu on Buka Island.

The Minister said the old provincial government building will be demolished to make way for a modern Parliament complex. The project is expected to cost about K70 million and will provide a permanent home for Bougainville’s Legislature.