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Government Allocates K30 Million for University of Goroka Infrastructure Repairs Following Devastating Earthquake

PRIME Minister Hon. James Marape has announced a government allocation of K30 million to the University of Goroka (UOG) to rebuild and modernise critical infrastructure that was severely damaged by a devastating earthquake in 2022.

The funding is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to improve educational facilities across the country and ensure that Papua New Guinea’s future educators are trained in a safe and conducive learning environment.

Speaking at the UOG graduation ceremony on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the Prime
Minister highlighted the importance of the university as a national institution responsible
for training teachers, while emphasising the urgency of restoring its damaged infrastructure.

“Today, the Government has passed over K30 million for the University of Goroka to repair
and complete infrastructure projects that were damaged or delayed due to the earthquake that struck the institution,” Prime Minister Marape said.

The earthquake, which hit parts of the Eastern Highlands Province in 2022, caused
significant damage to UOG’s buildings, including student dormitories, lecture halls, and
administration offices. Among the projects disrupted by the disaster is the construction of
a seven-story building and a modern auditorium, both of which are critical for
accommodating the growing student population.

“These funds will help the university complete the seven-story building and the auditorium
currently under construction. We have committed to ensuring these buildings are
completed and opened before mid-September this year as part of the nation’s 50th
Independence Anniversary celebrations,” Prime Minister Marape said.

The Prime Minister also revealed that K10 million had already been issued to UOG to begin
immediate repairs and restoration work after the earthquake, but a full engineering report
indicated that the cost of rebuilding would exceed that initial allocation.

“I have asked for a full engineering report on the damage caused by the earthquake. The
university has already received K10 million to start restoration work, but it will require much more to fully restore and modernise the campus. UOG is an important institution for the country because it trains our future teachers. We must ensure that the learning environment for students is safe, modern, and conducive to quality education.”

The Prime Minister stressed that improving UOG’s facilities is part of the Government’s broader vision to enhance the country’s education system, ensuring that future teachers are well prepared to educate the next generation of Papua New Guineans.

“We are not just rebuilding infrastructure — we are investing in the future of our nation’s
educators. These students will one day go out and teach the next generation of Papua New
Guineans. It is our responsibility to provide them with a world-class learning environment,” he said.

In addition to the K30 million allocated for UOG, Prime Minister Marape also announced a K3million allocation for the National Sports Institute (NSI) in Goroka, where the graduation
ceremony was held. The funds will be used to give the institute a facelift, including upgrading sports facilities and improving infrastructure for students and athletes.

“The National Sports Institute is a vital institution for sports development in Papua New Guinea. We have passed K3 million to give NSI a much-needed facelift. This is part of our ongoing efforts to improve institutions that are important for nation-building.”

Prime Minister Marape concluded by reaffirming the Government’s commitment to supporting educational institutions across the country, ensuring that teachers and students have access to safe, modern, and well-equipped facilities.

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