ABG, Steamships sign deal to unlock Bougainville land potential

Front row: The signed MOU is displayed by Dan Khaisir, General Manager Business Development for Steamships, and Lynette Baratai Poka, Secretary for the ABG Department of Lands, Physical Planning, Environment, Conservation and Climate Change. Back row: Sheila Sukwianomb, Group Legal Counsel for Steamships; Ruth Kissam, General Manager Corporate Affairs for Steamships; Stephanie Elijah, Secretary for the ABG Department of Bougainville Independence Mission Implementation; and Leontine Ivano, Secretary for the ABG Department of Justice and Legal Services.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and Steamships Trading Company have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at supporting sustainable land development in Bougainville.

The agreement establishes collaboration between ABG institutions, traditional land custodians and Steamships, following years of consultation on land engagement processes in the region.

The partnership is expected to help the ABG work with titleholders and future developers to unlock the economic potential of land for the benefit of the people of Bougainville.

Steamships holds title to properties in Central Bougainville acquired before the Bougainville Crisis.

The company said the process, which began in 2021, reflects its commitment to working through a structured consultative approach with traditional land custodians and the government on key land management issues.

Consultations involved the Office of the Chief Secretary and several ABG departments, including Lands, Physical Planning, Environment, Conservation and Climate Change, Community Government and District Affairs, Commerce, Trade, Industry and Economic Development, and Justice and Legal Services