28 March 2014
Australia boosts health and education in Milne Bay Province
The Papua New Guinea and Australian Governments this week opened new and upgraded health and education facilities in the Milne Bay Province, greatly improving access to these services for people in remote areas.
The projects totalling more than K19 million include new and upgraded facilities at the Milne Bay Provincial Hospital, an aid post and staff houses on Sideia Island, and classrooms and staff houses at Santa Maria High School.
Minister, Development Cooperation at the Australian High Commission, Stuart Schaefer, commended the leadership that was provided to bring the projects to completion.
“Australia recognises that good leadership is a prerequisite for lasting development in Papua New Guinea, Mr Schaefer said.
“Strong leaders have a clear understanding of where they need to take an organisation to improve it. They take responsibility for problems and are involved with solutions.
“I congratulate the Provincial Health Authority and the Sideia Health Centre Management whose leadership has brought these projects to fruition,” said Mr Schaefer.
The K10 million work at the Milne Bay Provincial Hospital included:
- New administration building;
- 8 new nurses quarters and duplex for staff;
- New consultation clinics;
- New medical and psychiatric ward;
- New maternity ward and renovation of pathology laboratory;
- Upgrade of power supply; and
- New retaining walls and access stairs and pathways
The Sideia Health Centre received K5.2 million for five new furnished staff houses, a new furnished and equipped health centre building, new ante-natal and post-natal waiting house and an upgrade to its water supply.
“In the health sector, PNG still faces serious challenges. The new facilities will go a long way to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates while increasing the number of attended births.
“The new staff housing will also increase work attendance and staff performance, which will then see improved health care and patient satisfaction,” said Mr Schaefer.
Santa Maria High School at Watuluma received K4.4 million for a new administration building, classrooms, VSAT installation, 2 staff houses, school clinic and market and the procurement of furniture, equipment and teaching aid.
The new facilities are expected to increase student enrolments.
“Importantly, this will mean more girls can enrol in High School,” Mr Schaefer said.
“Australia is committed to helping PNG create an environment for women and girls to have more opportunities that are at least equal to boys and men in PNG.”
“Internationally, investing in a girl’s education delivers immense economic and social benefits. It is the single most important activity that any country can support,” said Mr Schaefer.
Since the year 2000 the PNG-Australia Incentive Fund has built more than K350 million in health and education infrastructure, creating an environment for better service delivery for Papua New Guineans.
Mr Schaefer, Minister for National Planning and Alotau MP Hon. Charles Abel and Milne Bay Governor Hon Titus Philemon opened the K10 million facilities at the Milne Bay Provincial Hospital.
Earlier all three opened the school facilities at Santa Maria High School. Mr Schaefer and Governor Philemon opened the health facilities at Sideia.