NCDC plans to take over education in city

By HELEN TARAWA
The National Capital District Commission plans to take over education in the capital city, says Governor Powes Parkop.
Parkop was responding to the closing down of the Bukuta Academy by a group of villagers.
He said they would not entertain their demands.
“We don’t intend to entertain their demands. (Moresby South) Justin Tkatchenko had spoken to them on two different occasions in the village to explain. So there is no need for more dialogue and discussion,” Parkop said.
“I am happy people want to have their children register in quality schools and that is a goal and priority we will pursue when we take over education in the city.”
He did not elaborate further.
The Butuka Academy in the Moresby South electorate of the National Capital District was forced to close by angry landowners because their children were not allowed to enrol.
The academy includes classes from elementary to secondary.
They called for a meeting with the Education Department and the prime minister.
Tkatchenko said students originally at Butuka primary and elementary schools billeted out to other Moresby South schools were given first priority.
He said it depended on the number of spaces available after those students were enrolled. Tkatchenko explained that the previous board of the Butuka primary and elementary schools was removed last year by the Education Department because of alleged corrupt practices.
He said they never acquitted any funds and allegedly misused government funds.
The board comprises representatives of the department as chairman, NCDC, Moresby South, the business community, women, church and villages.