Malahang Technical Secondary School is set to receive a K15 million infrastructure upgrade, following the launch of a major development package by the Australian Government and the Lae City Authority.

The launch was attended by Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea His Excellency Ewen McDonald and Lae City Authority chairman and Deputy Prime Minister Hon. John Rosso.

The projects will be funded by the Australian Government through its Incentive Fund and are scheduled for implementation from October 2026 to June 2027. The investment is intended to improve the school’s facilities and strengthen its capacity to deliver technical and vocational education.

The planned works include construction of a new Tourism and Hospitality Centre, expansion and upgrading of the automotive workshop, and new ablution facilities. The package will also improve the school’s water supply, electrical systems, and supporting utilities, alongside modernizing facilities needed for technical and vocational training.

The upgrades are expected to provide students with improved learning environments and access to facilities that better support practical training. The new hospitality centre and expanded automotive workshop will, in particular, strengthen the school’s capacity to offer hands-on instruction in key vocational areas.

The investment is part of a broader program of development projects underway or planned in Lae. These include the Lae Main Market redevelopment, a new female dormitory at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology, and health facilities at West Taraka and Tent City.

The project announcement follows years of negotiations between Deputy Prime Minister Rosso and the Australian Government, according to the Lae City Authority. The authority described the Malahang investment as another outcome of that partnership and a significant commitment to education infrastructure in the city.

Once completed, the works are expected to give Malahang Technical Secondary School improved facilities to support its students, staff and training programs.