St. Gerard Nursing School has officially commissioned two major infrastructure projects—a new staff house and a 450-metre perimeter fence—aimed at strengthening tutor support and improving campus security.

The projects were launched on Thursday, 12 November, in Veifa’a village within the Mekeo Local Level Government. Funded at a total cost of K400,000 through the Kairuku District Services Improvement Program (DSIP), the developments were delivered under the leadership of Kairuku MP, Minister for Energy, and Kairuku District Development Authority (KDDA) Chairman, Hon. Peter N. Isoaimo.

Speaking on behalf of the faculty and student body, Deputy Principal Nichola Kaoka expressed her gratitude to Minister Isoaimo for investing in Central Province’s sole health-worker training institution. She noted that the new staff house provides modern on-campus accommodation that will boost tutor wellbeing and foster closer engagement with students, while the perimeter fence will ensure a safer, more focused learning environment.

“We gather here not just to cut the ribbon or inspect a structure, but to celebrate the progress of this school, its security, and the shared commitment shown by our Member,” Kaoka said, urging the surrounding community to take ownership and help protect the new perimeter fence.

Addressing students, Veifa’a residents, and neighbouring communities, Minister Isoaimo highlighted that the commitment to the school was made in 2024, with funds released toward the end of that year. He emphasized the vital role the institution plays in training healthcare professionals to serve Kairuku District, Central Province, and Papua New Guinea.

Minister Isoaimo also commended the school board, principal, parish priest, and the Catholic Church for maintaining operations and upholding their duties through challenging conditions, including the current El Niño weather impacts.

He appealed to students and community members to care for the new infrastructure, noting the financial constraints faced by the district. While Kairuku receives K10 million annually in DSIP funding, the Minister explained that the allocation must be stretched across numerous competing community priorities, making additional funding difficult to secure.

Demonstrating strong financial accountability, the school principal and the Chairman of the Board of Governors formally presented the financial acquittals for the K400,000 project grant to Minister Isoaimo during the ceremony.