The Kutubu Secondary School in the Southern Highlands province has reached a significant milestone following the official handover of three community infrastructure projects delivered by Santos, representing an investment of nearly K600,000 aimed at improving education, water access, and sanitation services.

The projects were formally handed over during a ceremony held at the school earlier this year, attended by students, teachers, and community members. The event was led by Santos Regional Manager Vagi Tamari, who emphasized the importance of investing in facilities that support education and long-term community development.

“These projects are about investing in people—particularly young people—by creating a safe, healthy and enabling learning environment,” Tamari said. He encouraged students to take responsibility for maintaining the new facilities and to pursue academic excellence in return for the investment.

According to Santos Sustainable Development Supervisor Philip Makari, the works were delivered under the company’s Sustainable Development Program and included upgrades to the school’s rainwater catchment system, improvements to the student dining hall, and the installation of new water storage infrastructure. Six 9,000-litre water tanks were provided alongside upgraded dining facilities.

The projects also included the construction of a new female ablution block featuring six shower rooms and six septic toilets—an improvement school leaders say will have a significant social impact.

Principal Bai Irabo welcomed the investment, noting it comes as the school marks its 27th anniversary. He said the school had long struggled with limited infrastructure and that the new facilities would significantly improve daily conditions for students.

“These facilities—particularly the water tanks, dining hall upgrades and new female ablution block—will make a lasting difference to our students,” Irabo said, adding that improved sanitation is especially important for supporting female students’ continued education.

Student representative Samantha Mora also expressed appreciation on behalf of the student body, acknowledging the positive impact the upgrades will have on learning conditions.

Kutubu Secondary School currently serves 553 students, including 137 female students, and is supported by 24 teachers. The school caters to communities across districts in the Southern Highlands region.

Delivered in close partnership with the school, the projects are designed to be managed locally, strengthening community ownership and building long-term operational capacity. The handover reinforces Santos’ ongoing commitment to community-led development and sustainable investment in local infrastructure.