After almost a decade, students at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNG UoT) in Lae city will soon be using their new mess hall. The old dining hall burned down in 2016. Now, nine years later, the new building is almost ready. Vice-Chancellor Professor Ora Renagi said the new facility was already used recently to serve guests during the PIURN Conference. “We had dinner there. It was beautiful,” he said. “We’re grateful to the PNG Government for funding the project.” A grand opening is planned soon with Prime Minister James Marape expected to attend. The new mess is designed to serve thousands of students. It includes a spacious dining area, modern kitchen, bakery, cold rooms, and toilets for both male and female students. It also has a toilet designed for students living with disabilities. Entry will be secured through fingerprint scans and proxy cards. Only small finishing touches are left, and the university expects everything to be completed before the end of this month. Prof Renagi said the dining hall is a major improvement for student life. “It’s a big step for the university. We’re excited to see students use it soon,” he said.