ABG meet with NEFC to put together Cost-of-Service Report

Respective government departments and agencies of the Autonomous Bougainville Government met with the National Economic Fiscal Commission [NEFC] to look through a ‘Cost of Service Survey Study’ that was put together for the region.

The study is important for the ABG because it puts clearly the cost estimates associated with delivering any specific government service to people anywhere across the region.

Bougainville’s Department of Finance and Treasury has been working closely with the NEFC over the last two years to put together the Cost-of-Service Survey Study.

A preliminary Cost of Service Survey report into the study has been made available by the National Economic Fiscal Commission in May and has already received input from partner agencies from the National Government and other stakeholders.

This same preliminary report is now being used to consult with respective government departments and agencies in Bougainville to confirm and endorse what’s already been captured.

Bougainville’s Deputy Secretary for the Department of Finance and Treasury, Leslie Tseraha, said the study is very important, because it will clearly highlight the cost or costs involved in delivering government services right down to where the people are.

Tseraha said knowing the cost of service is very important because it will help the government in planning and developing budgets for service delivery.

“There's never been any evidence-based data or study to say that this environment is much longer. This study is so important because now all the departments are already coming.

“I don't want to open up the door so, right now we are spending minimum money to deliver a particular kind of service. So, if we don't have a budget, it's very helpful to us because now we can base the ABG budget on evidence.

“Evidence is what we have now, so it's very, very helpful, very important that once this study is finalized, all the ABG budget will be now based on evidence that's been established,” Mr. Tseraha said.

The National Economic Fiscal Commission’s Project Manager in the ABG Cost of Service Study, Valentine Sime, said the preliminary report into this survey is being discussed with each department, agencies and sectors to gauge their views before a final report can be put together.

“So, what's happening is we are here now and we're doing the presentation to the ABG administration on the key findings that we have identified in those consultations and in those surveys and interviews, as well as we're showcasing to them the preliminary cost estimates for their respective sectors or departments,” Mr. Sime
Said.

A key outcome of this Cost-of-Service Survey study is developing an evidence-based costing model that will assist in the financial arrangements between the ABG and the National Government.

The three-day consultation between the National Economic Fiscal Commission and respective departments and agencies of Autonomous Bougainville Government was wrapped up today.