Papua New Guinea-Australia partnership

The 10 million Kila expansion project within the ongoing master plan of improvements at the hospital was funded by the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership, through the Incentive Fund, and includes 2 million Kina in counterpart funding.

It has expanded the hospital emergency room, surgical outpatient area and operating theatres, as well as constructed a new obstetric ward and nursery, pharmacy, laboratory and dental clinic.

A new purpose-built training and administration building will support the training of doctors and nurses.

The two week course was facilitated by the SME Corporation and involved participants from women’s groups and church organisations within the district. The majority of the graduates had already started their own ventures – what they required was business management support to enable them to grow more efficiently and effectively.

The K10 million project includes a library, a state-of-the-art science and computer lab, 16 classrooms and extra male and female toilets. All new facilities will be accessible to people with disabilities.

The project will increase access to primary teacher training to meet the demand for primary school teachers nationwide, including in Enga.

Australian High Commissioner Bruce Davis and Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas launched the project in Wabag.

Sir Peter said the project will also help create 500 jobs during the construction phase.

The pre-school will provide the children with a place to learn and play.

The pre-school is the result of a partnership between the Australian Government’s Direct Aid Program, local NGO Recreating the Village, and the local community. Construction of the pre-school was completed in 2017 and it has been open for students from the beginning of the 2018 school year.

James Buttigieg, First Secretary from the Australian High Commission, officially opened the school on 27 February 2018.