Ipatas must release subsidies to students

I support the comments in the letter “PAU students need Ipatas aid” (The National, May 17).
I would like to thank Enga Governor Peter Ipatas and his government for introducing and implementing the “free education policy” since 1996.
The Enga government deposited K11 million in interest bearing deposit (IBD) and purchased several buildings in 1996 under the Enga children’s fund.
The account was opened purposely for Enga students’ school fees.
The money from this fund has sustained the free education policy for 11 years (1996-2007).
Through the free education policy, many Engans have been educated.
Every year, hundreds of students secure places in tertiary institutions and the number continues to increase each year.
However, the free education policy was halted in 2008 after parents criticised him during the 2007 national election.
Since stopping the free education policy, there is enough money in the children’s fund and we call on Ipatas to release the promised 30% school fees subsidy for tertiary students.
He made this promise during graduations at Pausa and Wabag secondary schools last year.

Kaiam Bees
Madang