The Member for Kandrian Gloucester District in West New Britain province and Minister for Rural and Economic Development Joseph Lelang, has reaffirmed his strong commitment to improving education infrastructure and teacher welfare in the district through a series of targeted development investments at Pomugu Primary School.
The Minister made these remarks following ongoing engagements with school administration and community leaders, where he highlighted the importance of ensuring that schools are not only adequately resourced but also supported through proper teacher accommodation and learning facilities.
Minister Lelang confirmed a K500, 000 commitment towards the construction of a double classroom facility for Pomugu Primary School.
He stated that the investment is part of a broader effort to expand learning spaces and ensure that children in rural communities have access to quality education in a conducive environment.
“This double classroom will provide more space for students and ensure that every child who wants to learn has the opportunity to do so in a proper classroom setting,” the Minister said.
In addition, Minister Lelang announced a further K400,000 commitment specifically allocated towards the construction of teachers’ housing at the school.
He emphasized that one of the major challenges affecting rural education delivery is the lack of suitable accommodation for teachers.
“Teachers do not come to these remote areas because of housing issues,” he stated. “By building proper houses for our teachers, we are ensuring they can live comfortably and focus on delivering quality education to our children.”
The Minister noted that strengthening teacher welfare is directly linked to improving education outcomes, as stable accommodation encourages retention of qualified teachers in rural schools.
He further highlighted that similar infrastructure developments have already been undertaken across the district, including the construction of double-storey classroom buildings and quad duplex staff housing in other educational institutions, as part of the district’s long-term education infrastructure program.
During the engagement, Pomugu Primary School Principal Mr. George Ukelio, expressed appreciation for the Minister’s continued support, particularly acknowledging the recent funding commitment which he said would significantly improve learning conditions and teacher welfare at the school.
Mr. Ukelio outlined several ongoing challenges faced by the school, including the need for a dedicated library facility to support literacy development, improvements to the water supply system affected by seasonal flooding, and the construction of a perimeter fence to enhance safety and prevent animal intrusion into the school grounds.
He also noted increasing student enrolment, which will require further infrastructure expansion in the future.
Despite these challenges, Mr. Ukelio reaffirmed the school’s gratitude for the support provided by the Member for Kandrian Gloucester District, describing it as vital to the continued improvement of education services in the area.
Minister Lelang reiterated that his administration remains committed to addressing infrastructure gaps in education, particularly in rural communities, and ensuring that both students and teachers are supported through sustainable development initiatives.
The Minister assured stakeholders that education remains a top priority under his leadership, with continued investment aimed at expanding classroom capacity, improving teacher housing, and strengthening basic school infrastructure across the district.
