Managing Director of Wame Blood Group of Companies and FOE Association Inc. Chairman, Johnny Yawari presented a K304,245 cheque to Atlas Steel PNG on Tuesday 04th February for the construction of a four in one (4 in 1) double classroom at Tanuga Primary School in Lake Kutubu, Southern Highlands Province.
The presented Cheque was for the total cost of fabrication of material for the structure of the building and its interior fit out. The payment is exclusive of the cost of labour, security, transportation, and freighting, which was expected to inflate the total cost of the project to a K1 Million.
In presenting the cheque, Mr Yawari said he was focused on developing the education sector of Kutubu LLG in accordance with the association’s long-term development plans as education plays a vital role in the development of a society.
These substantial investments, marks another milestone achievement for Foe Association’s unrelenting efforts towards empowerment of human resource and infrastructure development in Kutubu Local Level Government.
Mr Yawari stressed that for Kutubu to realise any meaningful change and transformation, there must be collective efforts by all including the Provincial Government and the Districts in creating such educational pathways the for the betterment of its people, all stakeholders must heavily invest in human resource capacity building as this is the catalyst for change period.
Chairman Johnny Yawari also confirmed to fund the construction of Staff Houses for Tanuga Primary School, Gesege Primary School, one double classroom for Kikori High School, a low set dublex for K-Point Community School, and a low set double classroom for Kantobo.
Mr. Yawari highlighted that Foe Association’s consistent partnership with Atlas Steel over the past years, has resulted in the successful accomplishment of two similar school building projects, stating this as the third project so far.
Atlas steel PNG will be supplying bulk quantities of building and construction materials to assigned Contractor Foe Investment Corporation Limited, throughout the extent of this building project in Kutubu.
This educational infrastructure development scheme will be serving over 7,000 young students throughout this specific local level government who attends primary education (grades 3 – 8) at Tanuga Primary School.
The Chairman further clarified that the funds presented to Atlas Steel PNG was not from donor agencies or government institutions.
“This money was acquired from “Artists For A Cause” fundraising concert hosted at Hilton Hotel on the 10th November 2023, which featured thrilling performances from various local Papua New Guinea music artists in collaboration with Wame Blood band,” said Yawari.
In addition to the presentation, Mr. Yawari has confirmed that two staff-house for Kutubu Secondary School will be simultaneously constructed by Foe Investment Corporation, with counter funding support from Nipa Kutubu District Development Authority (NKDDA).
“I’d like to extend my appreciation to the Minister for Defence Hon. Dr. Billy Joseph for the appropriate intervention in supporting Foe Association and the people of Lake Kutubu through this timely support.”
Yawari is confident that Foe Investment Corporation will deliver for its people and aspires to witness Kutubu’s transformation into a developed vicinity in the next decade.
“Foe association thankfully recognizes the support given by every individual who turned up at the fundraising concert to purchase a table and support a worthy cause.”
Chairman Johnny Yawari concluded by relaying heartfelt acknowledgement to their development partners who were consistently supportive over the years towards Foe Association’s development aspirations.
“I’d like to appreciate our continued partnership with Santos PNG Leon Baskens, MRDC Managing Director Augustine Mano, CEO for NGCB Ms. Emelda Agon, KPHL Managing Director Wapu Sonk, Member for Nipa Kutubu and Defence Minister Dr. Billy Joseph, Governor for Hela Province Hon. Philip Undialu, Gulf Governor Hon. Sir Chris Haiveta, Minister for Bouganville Affairs Hon. Manasseh Makiba, and Hilton Hotel Port Moresby for giving the venue free.”
