21 June 2013

Delivery of additional aid for Manus Province

The Head of Australian Aid in PNG, Stuart Schaefer, today said delivery of Australia’s additional assistance for Manus Province including school buildings and medical equipment is set to begin.

Mr Schaefer was speaking after meetings last week with Manus Governor, the Hon Charlie Benjamin MP, and the Manus Provincial Administration staff including Acting Provincial Administrator Mr Andrew Posong about the implementation of the package announced in December 2012.

The Governments of Australia and PNG are working together on additional assistance including road upgrades, improved education and medical infrastructure and support for economic development.

“The construction of double classrooms, administration offices, teacher houses and ablution blocks at 20 schools selected by the Manus Provincial Administration is expected to start in July 2013,” Mr Schaefer said.

“Medical equipment for Lorengau General Hospital is to be delivered progressively in coming months and a company has been selected through open tender to help develop a hospital master plan that can guide future work.

“I also look forward to further discussions with the Manus Provincial Government about renovating the Lorengau market.”

Mr Schaefer most recently visited Manus from 10-11 June for talks about the additional assistance package, continuing a series of meetings between Australian and Manus Province representatives in recent months.

The package is in addition to Australia’s existing planned support under the PNG – Australia Partnership for Development to Manus Province which includes school infrastructure, teacher housing, classrooms, teaching materials, new text books and distribution of medical kits to all health centres, hospitals and aid posts.

Mr Schaefer also attended the signing ceremony for more than K290,000 in Australian grants for community development projects in Manus delivered through the Strongim Pipol Strongim Nesen program.