By Louisah Frank – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Porebada Village authorities in the Kairuku – Hiri District are concerned about an incomplete project at the local Porebada Primary School.
They say the project includes maintenance of classrooms, fencing and back filling of the entire school area.
According to Jerry Taumaka, the Deputy Chairman of the school’s Board of Management, village authorities requested for assistance from the disaster office through the Central Provincial Government after king tides affected the area two years ago.
The village authorities claim the project was worth a lot of money at their request for maintenance of classrooms, fencing and back filling of the entire school area to prevent sea water from entering the school.
Mr. Taumaka said they requested for K400,000 for the project however, he said provincial authorities told him the amount was upgraded to K780,000.
Village authorities say money was allocated for the project and contractors started work on the project in 2013 however; the project was abandoned mid this year with very little work done.
They say they do not see the value of the money allocated in the work done.
Fencing of the school area has not been completed and there was no maintenance done to the classrooms as well as back filling of the area.
Jerry Taumaka said he is concerned because by February and March next year, king tides of about 60 to 70cm above the ground will be going in to the school area and classrooms which will affect classes.
Mr. Taumaka said he has approached the Central provincial authorities, and the contractors, but nothing has been done about it.
Taumaka is calling on the Central Provincial Government and the contractor, Balla Vuali to address this issue.
“Nobody is listening and I am not going to leave it like that. I want these changes to come about so that the teachers, students and the community are happy”, Taumaka said.
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