By Vicky Baunke in Goroka EHP
THE K10M funding for the building of accommodation facility at the University of Goroka is pending National Executive Council (NEC) approval for work to begin.
This is according to Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and Sports Minister Kinoka Feo.
Minister Feo while responding to questions regarding the safety of students living off the campus following the 2023 earthquake that destroyed parts of the student residential buildings.
He said a total of K10m was released to the University in 2024 for the reconstruction of the damaged buildings. The funding is part of a larger K30 million allocation from the government to address the damage and improve infrastructure at the university.
Minister Feo said the funding proposal of K10m is before his office and would be presented to the cabinet during parliament.
He added that the K10m will be for a dormitory space of 500 students.
Once the funding is approved by the NEC and signed by the contractor, work will begin.
The University of Goroka Vice Chancellor Dr. Teng Waninga also said that while alternate accommodation facilities have been arranged for boarding students on Government scholarships (HECAS) there has been no security issues faced by the students to and from campus.
He said transportation of HECAS students living off-campus has been met by the school to ensure the students safety.
Dr. Waninga thanked the neighboring community for taking ownership of the safety and welfare of students who are residing off-campus in rental accommodations.
He also responded to the recent murder of a 3rd year student from Enga and the suicide of a female student which were all “unfortunate incidents” that occurred off-campus.
He said there are counseling and student welfare services available to assist students.
