Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas

Enga graduates 148 primary school teachers

Commerce, Trade & Industry Minister Richard Maru urged them to discipline their students to produce the best brains to move the country forward.

“I want each and every one of you who are graduating to be disciplined to transfer the best knowledge you have to the children,” he said.

“Don’t be a paper teacher, to be in the classroom for the sake of your pay, but be committed to transfer the finest values of your profession to our leaders of tomorrow.”

He also described Enga Governor, Sir Peter Ipatas, as ‘the icon of education’ in the country.

Peter O’Neill building opened in Wabag

It was opened last Friday by Public Service Minister Sir Puka Temu, on behalf of the prime minister, at Iraleya Village, outside Wabag Town.   

“The PM cannot come to open the building because it’s a tradition as the building is named after him and also Parliament is sitting,” Sir Puka said.  

He also spoke on the importance of education, which is a key government policy and in line with the country’s Vision 2050.  

Enga will be transformed into ‘education hub’

Sir Peter, dubbed ‘Action Governor’ by his people, is confident the environment is now conducive to achieve the provincial government’s vision.

“We are working towards a vision to make Enga become an education hub for Papua New Guinea,” Sir Peter told media in Wabag.    

“As a provincial government, we have set a strategy for our vision, that is why we are currently going through this process of establishing these institutions in Enga Province. 

Ambassador’s first-ever trip to Enga

The capstone event of her trip was the launch of the Enga Cultural Education Program at Wabag Primary School, where almost 2,000 teachers gathered to celebrate it.

In her remarks, Ambassador Ebert-Gray said: “This innovative program will help to preserve the vital cultural principles – the wisdom of your ancestors – which are so important to pass on from generation to generation, and which might otherwise be threatened with extinction.” 

Ipatas warns against early campaigning

“I want to warn those who are desperate in carrying out early campaigns in the province that the people of Enga want delivery of service and projects more than sweet talks,” Sir Peter Ipatas said.

Enga is a progressive province that does not need any aliens to come ‘from nowhere’ and talk about reviving it, said the Governor.

He also took a swipe at the political rally organised by the Triumph Heritage Empowerment (THE) Party and its founder, Opposition Leader and Kandep Open MP, Don Polye. The gathering took place early this month.

Education will remain a priority in Enga: Ipatas

He said this when officially opening a guest house at Sari Primary School, near Wabag town, last Friday.

Sir Peter says his government believes that an educated Engan population would contribute meaningfully in improving the “living standard” of the people.

He says critics are wrong to say that his provincial government spends too much money on education.

Such interpretations are wrong as they (critics) are not properly assessing the situation.

Ipatas: MPs had the opportunity to deliver

Sir Peter was at Ambum valley, Enga Province, speaking to more than 2000 residents during the weekend.

“There is no leader or a group that can make miracles. Everyone that is in Parliament now have utterly wasted their time,” he told parents, students and teachers on Saturday.

People must understand that leaders do not have the extraordinary ability to address issues overnight, he added.

Sir Peter stated that he is committed to supporting Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and the coalition partners to continue to deliver much-needed services and projects to the people.

Enga received over K100m this year, reveals Abel

This was revealed by National Planning and Monitoring Minister Charles Abel recently during the launching of PNG Power line to Tsak valley.

He said the funding allocated to Enga, under the 2015 budget, was to help build the teachers’ college, nursing school and the new hospital projects.

“The Government is doing this because it has trust and confidence in the Enga Provincial Government under the leadership of Sir Peter Ipatas’ ability to deliver important projects,” Minister Abel said.

Kandep DDA must pay for torched classroom: Sir Peter

“I also made a call for the National Government to divert district funds from Kandep to pay for this classroom, because this are innocent kids deprive of their education because the classroom was burnt down because counting was supposed to be held there,” Sir Peter said.

He claimed the burning of the classroom is a direct result of the school hosting the Supreme Court ordered recount of the 2012 National Election ballot papers.     

“Supporters who want to delay the counting burnt down the classroom,” Sir Peter alleged.

Sir Peter Ipatas calls for PDA audits

The challenge was put to them by Enga Governor, Sir Peter Ipatas, in a media conference today.

Ipatas said the threat to shut down operations was irresponsible especially when there was a lot to be desired in terms of accountability.

“We are now calling on the appropriate authorities and PDA to come out and produce their financial reports since inception.”

“Because from records that we have, we see that more than K130 million has been given through their accounts in terms of Special Support Grants and National Government Grants,” said Ipatas.