EHP GOVERNMENT ASSURES SAFETY FOR UOG STUDENTS

BY VICKY BAUNKE in Goroka

THE Eastern Highlands Provincial Executive Council (PEC) Law and good order committee Chairman and Henganofi MP Robert Atiyafa has given the assurance to parents and sponsors of students attending the University of Goroka that the issue will no longer escalate and situation has been contained with heavy police presence at the campus.

MP Atiyafa spoke onbehalf of the Eastern Highlands Provincial government on the issue and has appealed to the National government and the University of Goroka Administration to ensure a total of K10m allocation is released to the school for accommodation for all students on campus.

He said security concerns for students is a major concern and the students must be managed within the campus and not off campus.

MP Atiyafa said the ongoing violence caused in Goroka is done by only a minority of people that has tarnished the good name of Goroka and the province.

He also appealed to the Eastern Highlands Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent John Kale to ensure those involved in the incident at UOG face the full force of the law.

The Goroka MP Aiye Tambua has thanked police for their prompt response despite the challenges and manpower shortages they continued to maintain stability and the fighting did not escalate untill reinforcements arrived.

Meantime, Minister for Higher Education Research Science and Technology and Ungai Bedna MP Kinoka Feo in response during the media conference said the matter has been tabled before parliament and funding will be released to the contractor soon.

Minister Feo said consultations has been made also with the Works department to determine whether the old dormitory will be demolished and a new dormitory to be or renovated.