Utmei Secondary School will receive major upgrades in 2025 following commitments by East New Britain Governor Michael Marum and Gazelle MP, and Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Jelta Wong.
These include fixing the school’s water supply, providing a school truck and building a new classroom to cater for increasing enrolment.
They made their announcements at the school’s 21st graduation ceremony on Thursday, November 7th, which saw 106 Grade 12s graduating.
At the graduation, school principal Bernard Manau revealed serious concerns the school was going through this year, including the water issues, electricity and aging infrastructures, which has hindered students’ learning as well as the general upkeep of the school.
However, he was relieved and acknowledged the support from the local MP, Wong and Governor Marum towards the school.
Governor Marum said his office has allocated K250, 000 for restoring the school’s water supply.
“The contractor is awaiting final payments and once that is done, they can continue the work. The water supply should be ready by next year,” Governor Marum said.
He also committed a school truck in 2025 to assist the students and staff as well as for their general administrative operations.
“All these will follow due processes and once cleared, you can have a new school truck by next year.”
The Governor also announced with the provincial government funded Tertiary School Fee assistance program, students who wish to further their studies, can apply for assistance through his office, when congratulating the Grade 12’s and wishing them well in the future.
Minister Wong committed his district office to fund and build a 4-in-1 classroom in 2025, stating that this will address the high number of students coming in every year, as well as support the 1-6-6 school structure.
The Minister further announced he will give six laptops for the top performing students in the three mainstreams of studies at the school.