Recently appointed Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Minister, Francis Marus, made his first official visit to the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) this morning.
Minister Marus was received by UPNG Vice Chancellor, Professor Albert Mellam, along with other academic and administrative staff.
Marus was given a tour around campus before he delivered his official speech.
Minister Marus visited the 2015 Pacific Games Village, the School of Law and Science Four buildings.
After his guided tour, Marus asked to speak to the contractor of the Science Four building to establish the delay in its completion.
Marus said though the academic year was suspended he is pleased most of the school’s infrastructure was not destroyed.
The national government had allocated K63 million for state universities following the suspension of classes at UPNG, University of Technology (Unitech) in Lae and University of Goroka (UOG).
UPNG was allocated K12 million, UNITECH was given K43 million, UOG, K8 million.
The first K1 million for UPNG was presented to UPNG administration today.
This money will be used to repair damages to some of the buildings.
UPNG Vice Chancellor, Professor Albert Mellam, expressed gratitude for Minister Marus’ visit stating that he was the first Higher Education Minister to visit the building facilities, including the dormitories.
