New Ireland Provincial Government has provided K300,000 to help complete a boys’ dormitory at New Hanover High School (NHHS) on Lovongai Island, after the school’s original structure was destroyed by Cyclone Maila in April.

Governor Byron Chan presented the cheque to Provincial Executive Council (PEC) Chairman for Primary Industry Ian Kusak. The funding will be deposited into the school’s operating account and used to complete the dormitory.

Kusak said the payment was part of the provincial government’s K500,000 commitment to the project. The remaining K200,000 is expected to be released in the coming week.

“With the availability of funds, we will see to the completion of the much-needed accommodation infrastructure by the end of October, ensuring that the 2027 academic year has no disruptions due to boarding placements for male pupils,” Kusak said.

The assistance is part of the Chan-Kolivos government’s wider investment in education infrastructure across the province.

Recently, the Provincial Administration provided K252,000 to Tanir High School on Tanga Island, in Namatanai District, for a classroom complex. The school said the funding would help complete the facility as it prepares to conclude the 2026 academic year.

Governor Chan said education remained a priority for his administration. He pointed to the provincial government’s School Fee Subsidy programme for tertiary students, which has delivered ten batches of payments to institutions around the country.

The latest payment brings the total investment to more than K2 million, with four further instalments remaining to complete the 2026 academic year’s payments.

“Education has always been a priority under the late Sir Julius Chan’s administration. We are carrying on that legacy for the children of greater New Ireland Province, to ensure we have an educated population as we pursue our long-term autonomy agenda,” Chan said.

The Governor concluded in saying that continued investment in education was essential to improving learning opportunities for young people and preparing them to contribute to New Ireland’s future development.