Funding issues leave Morobe students without meals and bed

By EHEYUPE ERINUC
MORE than 80 Morobe students attending University of PNG have not had accommodation and meals on campus for almost six weeks.
UPNG Morobe Students Union president Jesse Roneka said most of their students depended on the provincial government’s Gerson Solulu Scholarship.
“We have registered and are attending classes, but are still waiting for additional fees which will guarantee rooms and mess access,” he said.
“Since the beginning of the semester, we have stayed out of campus with relatives and friends.
“One of our main concerns is the security of female students when moving to and from school.”
Roneka said only 50 per cent of the payment by each student was made. It used to be 75 per cent in previous years.
“The payment was made considering the cost of other residential areas than Games Village, which costs K12,000 for boarding and lodging alone,” Roneka said.
Former union president Greg Guri said students’ academic performance could be affected.
“Education is of paramount importance as per the (Morobe) Kundu Vision 2048,” he said.
“The provincial government has to do everything to achieve what was intended in the vision.”
Roneka said K8.5 million was budgeted for scholarships this year, a big increase from K5 million in 2018, but this problem was happening.
Morobe deputy provincial administrator Robin Bazinu said they were aware of the students’ situation.
“Parents should have prioritised their responsibilities, stepped in first and helped and not just waited for the provincial government,” he said.
“Money is our problem.”