The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has received four completed Valuation Rolls for Bougainville from the Office of the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Valuer General, within the National Department of Lands, Physical Planning and Urbanisation, during a handover ceremony in Buka recently. Acting Deputy Secretary Operations, Mrs. Belinda Lanbong, accepted the documents on behalf of the ABG, describing the occasion as a significant milestone in Bougainville’s journey in institutional and economic development. She acknowledged the Government of PNG for its continued support, noting that this is the first time in Bougainville’s history that urban property values have been systematically recorded and endorsed in full compliance with the PNG Valuation Act. “On behalf of the Chief Secretary and administration, we are happy and recognize that this occasion and the work that has come out of this over the years to bring us to this stage with completed valuation rolls for Bougainville’s key towns is a significant milestone for Bougainville.” “And we thank the Government of PNG for having gazette that on August 4th, 2025, in accordance with the PNG Valuation Act 1967.” The Bougainville Valuation Rolls list the assessed value of land and property, particularly on statutory or government land, thus they are essential tools for land governance, urban planning, and financial transparency, enabling better revenue collection and service delivery. In addition, National Valuer General, Mr. Suman Holis, commended the ABG for initiating the process and highlighted the significance of the achievement. “Bougainville has again set a historic milestone in that it is the first region in the country to have four valuation rolls for four towns including, Buka, Buin, Arawa and Kieta/Toniva.” He added that the rolls can empower respective local authorities to collect revenue from the use of land, adding that this contributes to the provision of necessary services to people living within the boundaries of the declared physical planning areas. Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary of the National Department of Lands, Physical Planning and Urbanisation, Mr. Michael Gideon, who formally handed over the rolls, also congratulated the ABG. “Valuation is about raising the revenue of the government so that government can carry out services such as maintaining the roads, and other services but due process must be followed.” “Valuation rolls are updated every five years, and it covers state lands not customary grounds so that those living within these designated towns of Buka, Buin, Arawa and Kieta/Toniva can pay rent to our municipal authorities in the towns.” He also reminded that the rolls are legal public documents under the PNG Valuation Act 1967. Leaseholders have the right to view them and raise objections if they believe they are being overcharged, the Valuer General can assist with such processes. On the other hand, ABG Lands Secretary, Mrs. Lynette Baratai-Pokas, emphasised that the valuation rolls are more than a bureaucratic requirement; they are a foundation for governance and sustainable urban development. “These rolls hold equal weight for our broader land administration and responsibilities therefore we will rely on the accepted valuation rolls to help us set those appropriate land rentals for government owned and leased land.” “This is to guide our decisions on zoning, planning and sustainable urban development, resolve disputes and maintain transparency in land dealings, attract and regulate investment in a way that is fair to our people.”