Komkui school builds its own future

The spike fence constructed by a local from Komkui seen going around the school perimeter. The water project and the spike fence project is said to be sourced from the project fees for the school and have taken three years for the school to construct *(Supplied)*

Parents of St Mark’s Komkui Primary School in Mt Hagen have shown what can happen when people take action for their children.

For three years, the school worked with parents and the local community to build a spike fence and a new water supply.

The two projects are worth almost K120,000.

The projects were officially opened by Hagen Open MP William Duma who was accompanied by Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa, PEC members, community leaders and educated elites from Komkui.

School headteacher Mr. Apa says the parents made the projects possible by paying the school’s project fees.

“Our parents have supported us by paying the project fees. Through their support, we were able to build the spike fence and also work on the water supply. We really thank them for supporting the school.”

The water supply was a major need.

The school’s old water source had worn out, leaving students and teachers to depend on tank water.

The school then sourced water from a nearby mountain and pumped it into the school.

It now has clean and fast-flowing water.

Michael William also volunteered his time to help build the spike fence.

He says communities should not always wait for government assistance.

“We should not always wait for the government. We can start something ourselves. When we take the first step, the government can also come in and support us," Mr. William the contractor of the spike fence said.

That initiative has now been followed by further government support.

Hagen Open MP William Duma announced K300,000 from the Mt Hagen City Authority for St Mark’s Komkui Primary School.

Hagen Open MP William Duma opening the water tap to the St Mark's Komkui Primary School water project signifying the launch of the two school's project. *(NBC News)*

“Since this school is in my electorate, I am very pleased to hear that the people are doing their own projects. When our people take the initiative, government must also respond and support them," Duma stressed.

The Western Highlands Provincial Government has also given the school K100,000.

Governor Wai Rapa said parents and other stakeholders must continue to support schools in their communities.

“When parents and the community take part in supporting their schools, it shows that they value education and can also look after the schools in their communities.”

Governor Rapa also committed one classroom from the four classrooms being supported through DFAT.

The two projects of St Mark's Komkui Primary School was officially opened by MP Duma.

" Tonight on Wednesday the 30th day of September 2026 at exactly 7:15p.m, I officially declare the Komkui school water supply and spike fencing open. May God bless the Komkui community, the teaching staff, the children of Komkui school. Thank you."