ENB parents to pay extra

PARENTS in East New Britain will still have to pay schools fees for projects approved by the provincial education board.
Acting education adviser Faiva Sione said schools were expected to submit their scope of works and project costs to be approved by the board. Only some schools had done this.
He said the schools – 345 elementary, 152 primary, 12 high and secondary and eight vocational – resumed classes on Monday.
The schools have received their education subsidies except for five new schools and 20 others without bank accounts.
Sione said an 11-man team, comprising national and provincial education officers, was assessing the start of the academic year throughout all schools and are expected to report back on Friday to the provincial education office.
Meanwhile, maintenance works were still in progress at the Kerevat National High School.
Another secondary school – Malabunga in Gazelle district – is ready to resume classes after its water pump stopped working recently.
Sione blamed it on the rain and wind which damaged power poles affecting electricity supply to the water pump.