Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has announced a government allocation of K30 million to the University of Goroka (UOG) to rebuild and modernize 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 recent UOG graduation ceremony this week, PM Marape highlighted the importance of the university as a national institution responsible for training teachers, while emphasizing 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.” 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-storey 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-storey 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.” PM Marape 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 modernize 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.” He further 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.” In addition to the K30 million allocated for UOG, PM Marape also announced a K3 million 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.” He 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.