Call for govt infrastructure packages for schools

 A HEADMASTER of a primary school in Jiwaka is asking the National Government if a separate package for school infrastructure developments can be included with the free education policy.

Kindeng Primary School headmaster Timbi Kumbamang  said the increase in numbers due to free education meant overcrowding that demanded more space or classrooms.

Kumbamang said schools in Western Highlands and Jiwaka were overcrowded and the government should look at ways to help with infrastructure.

He said two primary schools in Western Highlands, Nunga and Kinembo, had started a high school by enrolling Grade 9 this year.

He said that meant the two schools would need more buildings to cater for the increasing number of students.

Kumbamang said both schools were in the Dei electorate and some children from Mt Hagen electorate had been sent to continue their Grade 9 there.

“How can they travel from Hagen to Dei everyday to attend class?

“The distance between the two electorates is more than 20km and that means they are risking their lives and it is costly,” he said.

He said this was because of the space problems.

“A girl from Hagen electorate was sent to become a day student at the Kombolopa Secondary School in Baiyer and that means she will need K20 a day for her bus fares,” he said.

That, he said, reflected a lack of infrastructures such as dormitories and classrooms.

Kumbamang said free education policy welcome.

But more funding was required for infrastructure to balance schools.

“I am a headmaster and I need classrooms and more staff houses to accommodate the big number of students coming through my gates,” he said.