The PNG and Australian Governments this week, opened newly upgraded health and education facilities in Milne Bay Province, improving access to these services for people in remote areas.
The projects worth more than K19 million, includes new and upgraded facilities at Milne Bay Provincial Hospital, an aid post and staff houses on Sideia Island, and classrooms and staff houses at Santa Maria High School.
Minister, Development Cooperation at the Australian High Commission, Stuart Schaefer, commended the leadership that was provided, to bring the projects to completion.
“Australia recognizes that good leadership is a prerequisite for lasting development in Papua New Guinea, Mr. Schaefer said.
The K10 million work at the Milne Bay Provincial Hospital included:
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New administration building;8 new nurses quarters and duplex for staff;New consultation clinics;New medical and psychiatric ward;New maternity ward and renovation of pathology laboratory;Upgrade of power supply; andThe Sideia Health Centre received K5.2 million for five new furnished staff houses, a new furnished and equipped health centre building, new ante-natal and post-natal waiting house and an upgrade to its water supply.Santa Maria High School at Watuluma, received K4.4 million for a new administration building, classrooms, VSAT installation, 2 staff houses, school clinic, and market, and the procurement of furniture, equipment and teaching aid.“Internationally, investing in a girl’s education delivers immense economic and social benefits. It is the single most important activity that any country can support,” said Mr Schaefer.Since the year 2000, the PNG-Australia Incentive Fund, has built more than K350 million in health and education infrastructure, creating an environment for better service delivery for Papua New Guineans.Mr Schaefer, Minister for National Planning and Alotau MP Hon. Charles Abel, and Milne Bay Governor Hon Titus Philemon, opened the K10 million facilities at the Milne Bay Provincial Hospital.previous post
