Hutjena Secondary school located on Buka Island in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, experienced an unfortunate event when its computer lab went up in flames on Saturday afternoon the 12th of April 2025.
Principal of Hutjena Secondary Mrs. Elaine Baris stated that a total of eighteen (18) computers, including other important documents and files, were destroyed in the fire.
“At this point, we are suspecting that this fire could have been caused by an electrical fault.”
“A disaster team has already been at the site over the weekend to assess the fire and (we) are now awaiting a report from them to find out the exact cause of the fire.”
“This is a great loss to the school especially for the students who are taking ICT subject.”
With the unfortunate event that had occurred, Mrs. Baris stated that herself including her two deputies, need to do a proper planning now in terms of funding towards a new computer lab as well as looking for temporary building that can cater for the ICT classes to take place.
Furthermore, Mrs. Baris is appealing to the Education Department or any other organizations apart from the government who can assist the school.
Meanwhile, further updates on the state of the computer lab will be made once a report on the assessment of the fire is completed.