Residents of Kokopau Urban are the proud recipients of 50 newly installed solar street and beachfront lights, delivered through the support of the Office of the Member for North Bougainville, Hon. Francesca Semoso.

The official handover marks an important milestone in improving public lighting, community safety, and the overall development of Kokopau, one of Bougainville’s growing townships.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) Member for Selau Constituency, Hon. Paul Cheung, highlighted the significance of the project and urged residents to take ownership and responsibility for maintaining the new infrastructure.

The 50 solar lights have been installed along the main streets and beachfront areas, including the Kokopau main boat stop.

Hon. Cheung noted that the project reflects ongoing development across Kokopau and Selau, as government and municipal services continue to expand in the township.

“Government and municipal services are being provided in this small township, and we are growing. But with development comes responsibility,” he said. “We must be honest, as law and order is a major issue here, with liquor bars operating outside their normal trading hours and an increase in the buying and selling of illicit substances and homebrew within the township.”

He called on local leaders to strengthen good governance and tackle law and order concerns across Kokopau and Selau.

Meanwhile, Hon. Semoso echoed calls for residents to take ownership of the new lights and ensure they are properly looked after. She explained that the lighting project forms part of a broader plan to upgrade Kokopau township, with further improvements scheduled for the beachfront.

“Kokopau beachfront will also undergo landscape transformation to improve the beachfront and carpark area by January 2027,” she said, adding that other ongoing initiatives, including the distribution of water tanks, will continue.

Hon. Cheung thanked Hon. Semoso for her leadership, vision, and commitment to delivering the project for the people of Kokopau. He also acknowledged the North Bougainville District Development Authority (DDA) members, Kokopau Urban Community Government Chairman Hon. Michael Katoa, ward members from Kokopau, Selau, and Suir, and other stakeholders who attended the ceremony.

In addition, Hon. Cheung announced that as part of its independence preparedness priorities, Selau Constituency has allocated an estimated K200,000 towards the full renovation of one of its oldest district office complexes, originally established in 2000.

He said the upgraded facility—expected to be completed early next year—will bring the Kokopau Urban Community Government offices, the Selau Constituency office, the North Bougainville Regional Women’s Office for North Mainland, and a police post under one roof to strengthen coordination and service delivery.

Hon. Cheung added that boosting police presence and addressing law and order remain key priorities, with plans to establish a police station at Bonus as the next major initiative.