MARUM COMMISSIONS K2.58 MILLION INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION AND SKILLS INFRASTRUCTURE ACROSS ENB

Four major education infrastructures projects valued at more than K2.58 million were officially commissioned and handed over by East New Britain Governor Michael Marum recently, to Kokopo Technical Secondary School, East New Britain Provincial FODE Centre, Don Bosco Technical Secondary School and Vunamami Farmers Training Centre.

The projects included a new classroom each for Kokopo Technical Secondary School, East New Britain Provincial FODE Centre and Vunamami Farmers Training Centre, including a funding handover for Don Bosco Technical Secondary School.

Governor Marum recognized the strong partnership between the East New Britain Provincial Government and the Kokopo District Development Authority, led by the Member for Kokopo, Ereman ToBaining Jr., in delivering projects that directly benefit the people of Kokopo District.

“Today’s commissioning demonstrates what can be achieved when the Provincial Government and our districts work together with a shared commitment to improving services for our people.”

He continued saying that the Provincial Government is determined to ensuring that all four districts—Kokopo, Gazelle, Pomio and Rabaul—receive equitable investments in education, infrastructure and essential services.

“Our development agenda is for the whole province. Every district has priorities, and the Provincial Government will continue working closely with all Open Members to ensure development reaches every community across East New Britain.”

According to Governor Marum, the Provincial Government invested:

K796,000 for the construction of the new classroom at Kokopo Technical Secondary School;
K795,000 for the new East New Britain Provincial FODE Centre classroom;
K246,000 towards infrastructure support at Don Bosco Technical Secondary School; and
K745,000 for the new classroom at Vunamami Farmers Training Centre.

He added that the projects were delivered by locally owned small and medium enterprises, including Belo Constructions, Paveks Constructions Limited, and Gugu Building Constructions.

“I am particularly pleased that these projects were undertaken by our own local contractors.”

“Supporting local SMEs means the Provincial Government is not only delivering quality infrastructure but also creating jobs, building local capacity and ensuring provincial development creates economic opportunities for our own people.”

He then commended the Provincial Administration, the Education Division, school boards, principals, church agencies, community leaders and all stakeholders who worked together to deliver the projects successfully.

Institutions receiving the new facilities were encouraged to conduct proper maintenance to ensure longevity.

“These facilities belong to our people. I encourage every school board, administration and surrounding community to take ownership of these investments by maintaining them and ensuring they continue to provide quality learning environments for years to come.”