University spends millions to protect properties
The National, Wednesday February 10th, 2016
The University of Natural Resources and Environment Vudal campus, East New Britain, spends millions of kina every year to maintain state properties and pay for damages because of negligence.
The university’s acting Vice-Chancellor Dr Samson Laup raised this concern on Monday during a devotion service organised by the transport section to dedicate six new vehicles.
Laup said the university (UNRE), as one of the highest teaching institutions, should not only look at developing students mentally and physically but also consider spiritual development as an integral part in human development.
He said the university had begun its academic year focusing on a change of mindset and attitude and this should be the new message conveyed to all staff of UNRE, including students.
“Everything should begin in God and if we have to talk on stewardship then, as employees, we are stewards of this university,” Laup said.
He raised serious concern on careless driving by staff that had caused the university a lot of money in court cases.
“Our carelessness had cost the university in millions of kina and from here on, we have be good custodians of the university properties,” he said.
“Being a good custodian will help the university tyo inveust money on other areas of importance.”
University registrar Masi Fuawe made similar comments, stressing that all employees should understand that most of their time is spent at the workplace and they should look after state properties.
The senior management of the university had taken the initiative to begin this year by dedicating all activities to God.
Rev Aaron Diop said university spiritually meant a silent voice speaking in the mind of someone.
Elaborating on Psalms 8, he said everything on earth is redeemed by the blood of Jesus but people were the biggest problem.
“It is human beings that caused Jesus to come and be hung on the cross and it is always people to be blamed for negligence and causing problems at the workplace and in society,” Diop said.