K600mil needed to complete uni

By PHOEBE GWANGILO
ABOUT K600 million more is needed to complete the Western Pacific University in Southern Highlands, according to Department of Higher Education Secretary Fr Jan Czuba
Czuba told The National yesterday that an estimated K400 million was spent on purchasing land, building staff houses, drainage, roads and electricity. He said the land cost the Government K15 million.
Czuba said many developments had taken place with “limited funding” and the institution was gradually taking shape.
“We are yet to build classrooms, dormitories, and library and other facilities required by students to use,” he said.
The development of the Western Pacific University started back in 2016 at Ialibu
“In 2016-2018, we planned to construct students’ dormitories, library, students’ dining facilities, lecture buildings, teaching workshops, students’ recreation facilities, administration buildings, WPU clinic, staff accommodation and staff recreation facilitates,” Czuba said earlier.
Chairman Sir Peter Barter said: “The Government recognises that it will need more professionals in all sectors, not least doctors, engineers, teachers and critical thinkers with an optimistic vision for the future of PNG.”
He said WPU would also address the high number of Grade 12 dropouts and shortage of technically skilled human resources in the country to adequately meet the growing demand
“Western Pacific University was established by an Act of Parliament in 2014 and is one of the major impact projects being initiated by the Government to address access issues currently faced by the higher education and technical education sector,” Barter said.
WPU is the new university of technology being established under the O’Neill-led Government.