PNG seeks Austrlia, China assistance to build Western Pacific University

THE PNG Government is talking to Australia and China to become partners in the construction of the Western Pacific University (WPU)in Southern Highlands.

“The construction of the university will continue as planned with possible partnership with our friends abroad,” Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Secretary Fr Jan Czuba said. “We are exploring partnership in this project with the Australian and Chinese governments.”

The WPU management team, under the leadership of Fr Czuba, submitted the project proposal to the Chinese government in 2016.

He said delegates from the Australian High Commission visited the site and discussed with Education Minister Pila Niningi possible assistance from the Australian government.

“At this stage we are in the dialogue with both governments. As this is a national project, the main funding for the project will come from our own financial resources,” Czuba said.

“We made a payment of K15 million for land and then we invested around K5 million to build the roads and put in drainage because there is a lot of rain and parts of the land are swamps.

“We also purchase some building materials and most of the equipment required to establish a sound and well-functioning ICT system.

“We were able to build some staff houses but we need additional funds to construct dormitories, library, sports facilities and dining facilities for students and lecturers.” The National/PNGEducationNews/PNG Today