ExxonMobil staff, contractors repair earthquake-hit school

A school in Hela which was hit by earthquake has received help from volunteers who repaired classrooms, teachers’ houses and other facilities.
More than 150 staff and contractors from the ExxonMobil PNG at PNG LNG Hides gas conditioning plant (HGCP) and members of the surrounding community helped to repair earthquake damage at Para Primary School last weekend. HGCP senior field superintendent, Murray Johnson, on behalf of the volunteers, said everyone from the Hides plant who volunteered their time over the weekend were happy to do it.
“We are delighted we could help to make the Para school safe again so that children could return to their studies next year, and for families to regain a little more normalcy,” he said.
“The weekend has been one of spirit and determination by everyone to work together to make a difference.”
Johnson said there was still much work to be done for communities to recover and ExxonMobil was committed to helping for the long term.
“We are continuing to assist with donations through the Salvation Army and local churches to help repair education, health and sanitation infrastructure,” he said. Para Primary School board of management chairman Wilson Ayule said he was very impressed with the work.
“For the school itself to do such a scale of work is not possible,” he said.
“We are very happy ExxonMobil PNG is supporting.
“The children are looking forward to coming back to school.”