Work will begin immediately to renovate the Raun Raun Theatre in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province with the assistance from the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority with a funding assistance of K100, 000.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Emil Tammur said the work is expected to be ready by September, in time, for the annual Goroka Show.
“My Ministry is grateful for TPA recognising the importance of rehabilitating the Raun Raun Theatre and for capturing this funding in their 2019 budget because it is an iconic structure and a tourism attraction on its own,” said the Minister.
The Minister said sadly many such valuable structures around the country which are part of PNG’s historical and cultural heritage have been neglected over the years due to lack of funding.
He assured that culture and tourism, will be a key focus for development under the Marape/Steven Government, not only for economic empowerment but to also instill pride in PNG’s cultural heritage, particularly the younger generation.
TPA Chief Executive Officer Mr Jerry Agus said this was part of the Authority’s overall product development program to revive tourism in Goroka and Eastern Highlands and that similar projects are also being under taken in the other provinces, TPA’s overall product development scheme.
