Kutubu Secondary School has marked a major milestone with the official handover of three new community infrastructure projects delivered by Santos, representing an investment of nearly K600,000 in education, water and sanitation facilities.
The projects were formally handed over by Santos Regional Manager Vagi Tamari at a ceremony held at the school this year, attended by students, teachers and members of the local community.
Speaking at the event, Mr Tamari highlighted the critical role that education, health and sanitation play in shaping opportunities for young Papua New Guineans and reiterated Santos’ commitment to sustainable partnerships with host communities.
“These projects are about investing in people – particularly young people – by creating a safe, healthy and enabling learning environment,” Mr Tamari said.
“Santos has delivered critical infrastructure to support your learning journey. I encourage students to take ownership of these facilities, maintain them well, and honour this investment by striving for academic excellence.”
Santos Sustainable Development Supervisor Philip Makari outlined the scope of works delivered through Santos’ Sustainable Development Program.
The projects included upgrades to the school’s rainwater catchment system, maintenance and improvements to the student dining hall with new dining tables and six 9,000-litre water tanks, and the construction of a new female ablution block featuring six shower rooms and six septic toilets.
Kutubu Secondary School Principal Bai Irabo highlighted the importance of the investment, which comes as the school celebrates its 27th anniversary.
“For many years, the school struggled with limited infrastructure,” Mr Irabo said. “These facilities – particularly the water tanks, dining hall upgrades and new female ablution block – will make a lasting difference to our students.”
Mr Irabo also highlighted the significant impact of improved sanitation facilities for female students, noting that inadequate infrastructure had previously contributed to girls discontinuing their education.
Speaking on behalf of the student body, Year 10 student Samantha Mora thanked Santos for its support and acknowledged the importance of the projects in improving learning conditions at the school.
Kutubu Secondary School currently educates 553 students, including 137 female students, supported by 24 teachers, and serves communities across the Southern Highlands districts.
Delivered through a close partnership with the school, the projects enable Kutubu Secondary School to manage and deliver the works internally, strengthening local capacity, ownership and long-term outcomes. The completion and handover of these facilities reinforce Santos’ ongoing commitment to community-led investment and building a better future for local communities.
