Photo credit: Autonomous Bougainville Government
The Autonomous Bougainville Government has approved a budget of nearly K500 million for the fiscal year 2022.
The 'One Post Referendum Budget' was the topic of the 2022 ABG Budget, which was presented in parliament by ABG Minister for Treasury and Finance Hon. Salas, Mathias
“The budget directly addresses all priorities that the ABG has set towards our journey to independence,” Minister Salas said.
“The main focus of the 2022 ABG Budget is the consolidation of the peace and political process through economic and infrastructure development to prepare and mobilize the people of the conduct of consultations and negotiations for Independence in Bougainville,” he said.
Minister Salas noted that the National Government contributes around 91 per cent of the overall budget, which represents a 29 per cent increase over the total appropriation from the National Government to the ABG in 2021.
“Funds that are provided by the national government through the national budget are part of its commitments to the rebuilding and political process in Bougainville aimed at targeted projects or programs,” Minister Salas said.
“In 2022, the total appropriation is estimated at an amount of K549,324,600.00, with total National Government Grants at K424,065,000.00, ABG internal revenue at K45,000,000.00 and re-appropriated funds estimated at K74,683,100.00,” Salas said.
Minister Salas also expressed his concern that the National Government offer clarity on a mismatch in statistics in the National Budget for funding allotted to Bougainville.
“Clarification will be sought from the National Government on the amount of K430,065,000.00 allocated to the ABG (in the Appropriation Bill) when in fact the budget schedules show a figure of K424,065,000.00, a variance of K6,000,000.00,” Salas explained.
Minister Salas had made a formal request to the Prime Minister and the National Minister for Finance for more information on the difference at recent joint government meetings in Port Moresby.
Reference: Autonomous Bougainville Government (15 December 2021). “Parliament passes ABG 2022 Budget”.
