Storm destroys classrooms at Huonville Primary School in Lae

Huonville Primary School in Lae has been badly affected by heavy rain and strong winds that hit the city on Thursday night, January 22, between 9pm and 10pm.

Six makeshift classrooms used by Grade 5 and 6 students were destroyed during the storm. The damage has left the school without enough learning space ahead of the new academic year, which resumes next week.

The destroyed classrooms are valued at K100,000.00 and were funded by former Morobe Governor Ginson Saonu.

Head Teacher Dairi Baru was emotional as he spoke about the situation. He said the damage was unexpected and caused by a natural disaster, leaving him speechless and deeply concerned about the future of the school.

Provincial Program Advisor Keith Tangui told this newsroom that the school will still resume classes with the rest of the country, but major challenges remain.

“The school will still resume with the rest of the country but the challenge is on the school and other concerned authorities to erect an emergency classroom so that learning must take place.”

Ward Councilor Brian Nessat, speaking on behalf of the community, has called on major stakeholders to assist the school during this difficult time.

“This is the first of its kind for such a disaster to take place and it took us by surprise. I am appealing to the office of the honorable MP John Rosso and other nearby districts, like Huon Gulf and Nawaeb because there are students from those areas that benefit from this school.”

Board Chairman Ramsey Yehimen said the school is currently in a re-developing stage. He explained that seven years ago, classrooms were demolished and students were forced to learn in makeshift classrooms.

Captain Molfa Muri, representing the Papua New Guinea Defence Battalion, said the battalion could help with constructing an emergency classroom. However, he added that approval would need to come from the head of the department. The Defence Battalion is currently involved in building a new 8-in-1 classroom funded by parents and citizens of the school.

Meanwhile, Councilor Nessat said Huonville Primary School is located in the heart of Lae city and has more than 2,000 students.

“The school is situated in the heart of Lae city, that has more than 2000 students and has been operating since the colonial era and has benefited a lot of people who hold a good position in the high places of big offices in the country and if they could come to assist rebuild this school, would be much appreciated.”