Concerns raised over lack of international border surveillance at Buin

PNG Opposition Leader Don Polye has expressed a grave concern over a lack of surveillance at sea in the border of Autonomous Region of Bougainville and the Solomon Islands.

Mr. Polye raised the concern, following his trip to Buin's famous Kangu beach in South Bougainville, where it shares a sea border with the country.

The beach is where soldiers from a PNGDF platoon were massacred during the Bougainville crisis.

He said he only learnt that a few officers from Border Development Authority provide surveillance over the region's sea along the border.

"When our THE party is given the mandate to lead the country, our border posts will be properly resourced with adequate soldiers, customs and BDA officials to provide effective surveillance," he said.

Polye further said the trade along the border was not that thriving when compared to PNG-Indonesia border.

He added he also learnt that only traditional trade or barter system was common at the border.

He promised to the people that he would build a modern border post at Kangu if he led the next government.

A friend in deed is a friend in need. This was true for the Opposition Leader Don Polye today when visiting his former fellow MP for South Bougainville Michael Laimo at his Ipirai village in Buin, South Bougainville. They both served as ministers in the Somare government.
Laimo served in various ministerial portfolios-Education, Mining and Vice Minister for Civil Aviation. Polye served as Deputy Prime Minister, Works, Transport and Civil Aviation then.
Polye now endorsed his son Herman Laimo to contest the seat under the banner of Triumph Heritage Empowerment (THE) party. This seat was held by his father for three terms until 2007. Image: PNG Opposition Media Unit.