Bekut Correctional Facility in Bougainville will soon see improved security and living conditions following a groundbreaking ceremony for upgrades to the facilities infrastructure.
Representatives from the Australian Government, Papua New Guinea Correctional Services, the Autonomous Bougainville Government, and neighbouring communities joined the event.
The ceremony was attended by community members, with a shared feast following the proceedings, reflecting strong local support for the project.
The project is being delivered jointly by the Australia–PNG Law and Justice Partnership (APLJ) and PNG Correctional Services (PNGCS), as the first stage of a broader package of works planned for Bekut.
Future investment will also include a new guard house, a two-wing male dormitory, a women’s dormitory and upgraded ablution facilities.
Together, these improvements aim to create a safer, more secure and more humane correctional environment for staff and detainees.
By investing in practical improvements like this, Australia is proud to be helping build stronger institutions and safer communities.
PNG Correctional Services was represented by a large delegation including Assistance Commissioner for Bougainville Vincent Kundi, who welcomed the start of works and thanked partners for their support.
“This project will make a real difference for our officers stationed here and the people in our care. Stronger infrastructure helps us do our job properly. It improves safety, supports better management of detainees and lifts standards at Bekut, “he said.
The Secretary for the Department of Justice and Legal Services Ms Leontine Ivano said the upgrade is a significant milestone for the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
“Strengthening correctional infrastructure is a critical step as Bougainville progresses towards the transfer of functions. These improvements support safer, more effective facility management and help ensure our systems are ready to meet future responsibilities, “said Ms Leontine Ivano.
The Bekut upgrades form part of a wider national program under the PNG-Australia Partnership to strengthen correctional facilities across PNG, including works at Bomana in Port Moresby and Baisu in Western Highlands Province.
These investments are designed to improve safety, infrastructure standards and operational effectiveness across the correctional system.
The groundbreaking marks an important step forward for Bougainville’s justice sector. As construction progresses, PNG and Australia will continue working together to strengthen institutions, improve services and support safer communities across Bougainville and PNG.
ENDS
Groundbreaking at the facility left to right: PNGCS Assistant Commissioner for ARoB, Bougainville Minister for Police and Corrections, Constituent for Peit, DJLS Secretary, and Head of the Australian Development Office in Bougainville Ms Greer Smith.
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