MP vows to fix school mess hall

Students at the remote Kandep High School in Enga were having a dinner of plain rice in their dilapidated mess on Saturday evening when Kandep MP Alfred Manase dropped in unexpectedly.
He was shocked to see the state of the mess and the food that students were eating.
“I’m sad to see your conditions,” he told the students.
“It’s not a good sign.
“It’s not good for kids.
“You shouldn’t even be eating in here.”
Manase promised them a new K250,000 fully-kitted mess by the end of this year, apart from new dormitories and school fee support for unsupported students.
“We’ve put aside some money and will fix up the mess for you,” he told the students.
“As soon as the tender is given by the Enga provincial government, contractors will come in to construct the mess.
“We’re putting aside K250,000 and will get this mess fixed.
“We have also asked the provincial government to add some more money, so we’ll get your mess up to standard so you don’t eat in a place like this again.
“We’ll fix up the kitchen and everything.
“You will have a nice mess to enjoy your meal and then study.”
Manase also announced funding of K400,000 for new dormitories for boys — K200,000 from Kandep and K200,000 from the Enga government.
He presented K56,000 to the school for payment of fees for non-tutition fee-free students.
Manase said work on the girls’ dormitories would start as soon as the boys’ were completed, and then staff houses.
“By 2020, we’re looking at making this into a secondary school,” he said.
“Therefore, we have to bring this school up to standard.”
Principal Peter Kewa said the school, which had 387 male and female students, had “fallen apart” over the years.
Students’ representative Kingston Iki thanked Manase on behalf of the students.
“We have suffered enough,” he said.
“Today is a blessing and we are seeking salvation coming to our house door.”
The students and teachers were happy with the MPs visit.