Lae, Papua New Guinea – In a momentous event for higher education in Papua New Guinea, the University of Technology (PNGUoT) in Lae has officially unveiled its new, cutting-edge dining hall, a facility valued at approximately K30 million. The opening marks the end of a challenging construction journey plagued by delays but ultimately defined by institutional resilience, TVWAN reports.
The project, which commenced in April 2021, faced significant hurdles when the original contractor, Regional Engineering and Construction Ltd (REC), encountered financial difficulties, leading to a halt in 2022. PNGUoT intervened by terminating the contract and injecting an additional K10 million to rescope and complete the work.
Vice Chancellor Professor Ora Renagi, speaking at the opening ceremony, described the process as a testament to determination.
It has been a long journey; one filled with delays, obstacles, and court challenges, but it is also a journey of perseverance, unity, and triumph. What we are witnessing today isn’t just the opening of a building; it is the fulfillment of a long-awaited dream – a symbol of resilience for the entire Unitech community.
Renagi said emotionally.
Funding for the initiative began with a K20 million allocation from the National Executive Council (NEC) under its Public Investment Program. The contract was awarded to REC following a competitive bidding process involving six companies, evaluated by the National Procurement Commission and PNGUoT’s senior management based on cost and capability.
Professor Renagi praised the university council for seeking independent expert advice on additional costs and commended the project office for maintaining the timeline despite setbacks.
The new dining hall, designed to accommodate up to 2,000 people, features spacious, well-ventilated interiors and has already been utilized for major events. Notably, it hosted sessions during the 6th Pacific Islands Universities Regional Network conference in July of this year.
This modern facility replaces the previous dining hall, which was destroyed in a fire during violent student protests on June 26, 2016. The upgrade is expected to enhance student welfare, support large-scale gatherings, and contribute to the university’s role as a hub for technological education in the region.
PNGUoT, known locally as Unitech, continues to invest in infrastructure to meet the growing demands of its student body and foster academic excellence. University officials expressed optimism that the dining hall will serve as a cornerstone for community building and institutional growth in the years ahead.