The new MP for the Atolls of Bougainville, Raymond Masono, has called on the government to improve shipping to his region.
The MV Chebu is partly owned by the Bougainville government. Photo: supplied
Mr Masono, in his maiden speech in the autonomous Papua New Guinea region's parliament, says his people have been forgotten and ill-treated for too long.
Mr Masono, who has just been made the Public Service Minister, says shipping is the most urgent service and requires the government's full attention.
New Dawn FM reports him telling parliament that there have been empty promises from successive governments and he has assured the constituency he will do everything in his power to get the services they need.
Recently the head of the NGO Tulele Peisa, Ursula Rakova, also spoke of the need for purpose built craft that are capable of coping with the open sea.
Late last month two people were lost at sea after a banana boat capsized in high seas while travelling to the atolls.
