The armed conflict on Bougainville caused a lot of pain and suffering for innocent people. Atrocities were committed by the armed forces and an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 people were killed. All administrative, social and economic services came to a standstill at the height of the conflict in 1999. Nearly ten years of war have resulted in the almost total destruction of the island’s economic and social infrastructures. Health centres and school buildings were burnt to ashes. Government infrastructures were an easy target.