School project receives K70mil donation

A donation worth K70 million for a school project from the Chinese government to the National Capital District is a sign of a good relationship, says Minister for Lands and Physical Planning Justin Tkatchenko.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday at the Butuka school site, Tkatchenko said: “Butuka College will be the best in Papua New Guinea and in the Pacific.”
During the first phase of the project, the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) built 52 classrooms, 12 teachers’ apartments and a multi-purpose hall in just 77 days.
According to CSCEC, the buildings were built using fire-resistant concrete and steel components.
The school will accommodate up to 3000 students and may need 52 teachers.
The project is expected to be completed by August 30.
Each of the classrooms can hold up to 50 students.
Kirakira village councillor Arutu Bake said the community gave away five hectares of land for the project which would benefit their children and they were happy about the development.
“For me as the member for Moresby South, I couldn’t be happier,” Tkatchenko said.
Mandarin will also be taught in the school in appreciation of the Chinese government.
The school infrastructure and maintenance of buildings and facilities will be managed by a different management and not a school board.
The Chinese president is expected to open the school in November after the Apec leaders meeting.