Balob Teachers College goes fireproof

Recently burnt student dormitory. Getty iamges

Balob Teachers College in Lae, Morobe province, is looking at building a fireproof double-storey dormitory for its male students, to replace the one that was burnt down, last month.

A delegation from the College returned to Lae, last Friday, with a model of the pre-fabricated dormitory, from Treid Pacific in Port Moresby.

The three-man delegation, also met with the Acting Education Secretary, Doctor Michael Tapo and Government's Chief Secretary, Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc, to seek financial assistance from the National Government.

Pinu Suwapo reports, the delegation comprises Chairman of the Governing Council, Kimbun Keindit, Board member, Mark Manu, who is also President of Momase Teachers Association and College Principal, Jerry Hendingao.

The Acting Education Minister, James Marape, who had earlier given assurance of his support for Balob Teachers College, was away and the Acting Secretary, Dr. Michael Tapo, directed the delegation to Treid Pacific, who are partners in education development in PNG, to select a model of a dormitory that they prefer. 

The college principal says the model of the 80-beds prefabricated dormitory that they have chosen, would cost more than one-point-five million Kina because it is fireproof. 

He had earlier said the new double storey building would cost less than 500-thousand Kina. 

The college principal says construction work would begin as soon as they have money available. 

He says Bulolo MP, Sam Basil, has committed 50-thousand Kina towards the project.