The Japanese Government today signed the Grant Contracts approving the expansion of the Kawai Primary School in the Torokina District.

The new Japanese Ambassador to Papua New Guinea Morio Matsumoto represented the government of Japan while Kawai Primary School Board Chairman, Elius Rovi signed on behalf of the school. 

Amb Matsumoto said the signing of the project is a significant milestone for the people of Koromaketo Village where the school is located as this will provide basic essential infrastructure for the children.

“I firmly believe that our grant assistance will help ease classroom shortages faced by the chools and the provision of this classroom will give the students a better learning environment,” Amb Matsumoto said.

He added that education plays an important role in national development as well as in the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.

Since assuming office as the new Japanese Envoy to PNG three weeks ago this is Ambassador Matsumoto’s first official trip outside of the capital.

Mr Elius Rovi who signed on the school’s behalf said the people of the Torokina District were grateful to the Japanese people and their government for their help.

He said the project will go a long way in seeing developing the people of the surrounding areas within the proximity of Kawai Primary School.

The grant assistance of US$90,000.00 (K215, 000.00) will see the construction of one two block classrooms and a teacher’s house for the staff. The project will cater for the 91 students, 3 teachers and the 1750 community members that live around the proximity of the school. 

Also in attendance of the signing ceremony was Autonomous Bougainville Government President Chief Dr John Momis who again expressed his gratitude for the project.

“Bougainville and Japan share a strong bond that goes back a long time, so this project along with the 15 bridges already built by the Japanese government shows their commitment to helping Bougainville,” President Momis said. 

President Momis also welcomed the idea by the Japanese Government to continue with the bridge project throughout South Bougainville.

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