PNG Defense Minister Daki visits University of Goroka Following 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake

THE Papua New Guinea Minister for Defence MP Win Bakri Daki who is also responsible for Natural Disasters throughout the country visited the University of Goroka on Thursday to see first hand damages caused to it's hall of residence following the recent 7.6  magnitude earthquake.

Mr Daki acknowledged the University of Goroka Vice Chancellor Dr Teng Waninga for managing things well on the ground before relief assistance was given.

He assured the UOG Management that the Marape-Rosso Government will work with them to assist where needed.

Dr Teng Waninga in a meeting with the Minister for Defence said a total of K8m will be needed to secure an alternate accommodation for the 1500 students who have beeb directly displaced from their dormitories after damages to the halls of residence.

Dr Waninga said the cost is for accommodation alone for the next 5 to 6 weeks before the academic year ends.

UOG students grieve following the destruction on student residential halls by the 7.6 magnitude quake [photo by Freelance Journalism/fb]

He said the costs may increase with the inclusion of other expenses such as security, transport, meals and other valuable items used by students for studies like laptops, phones and study items.

Minister Win Bakri Daki assured UOG that the Marape-Rosso Government is willing to meet some of the costs with assistance from other MPs and state departments.

He also appealed to guest houses in Goroka on behalf of the government to offer their services at a reduced rate to assist the University of Goroka students in such difficult times.

FM100/ PNG Today 

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