By PISAI GUMAR

WAWIN National School of Excellence principal Karl Puluma has said Morobe Province is fortunate to have such a pretigious  school and people should respect and look after it.

Mr Puluma made the appeal when urging people from communities near the school to keep away from the school entrance when under the influence of alcohol.

It was reported that lately, drunkards had been roaming around the gate, with loud music which was unsafe for students, staff and their families travelling to and from Lae, 40-Mile and elsewhere.

Mr Puluma said drunkards were causing a nuisance and shooting objects targeting the security guard house  and a canteen at the main gate.

He said Morobeans are fortunate to have such a high learning institution at the border of Wampar in Huon Gulf and Wain-Erap in Nawaeb.

“You cannot find a modern facility like what is at Wawin School of Excellence elsewhere and respect must be a priority for the institution,” he said.

“Total of 31 academic staff, 450 students and 24 ancillary staffs are from all around the country united by this institution for a purpose to serve. Should any of the students, staffs or their families are mistakenly injured, harassed or threatened, it will tarnish the image of locals and community leaders, education division, district and the
province.”

Mr Puluma said there are also private agencies like Bismarck Farm and Division of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL), staff and students from Wawin and Muttu Primary School, churches including locals also accessing this road.

Instead, he urged the locals to appreciate and embrace vital education service like Wawin school offers in human resources development, take ownership and respect the institution.

He raised his voice during community forum last Thursday.

It was noted that the nearby market was luring the drunkards involving in gambling games, especially ludo, mobile phone horse racing and card games.

Nadzab police Senior Constable, Askem Salai and First Constable Yaks Yoropo who were at the forum warned the drunkards to be mindful.

Const Yoropo told the drunkards never to meander around school vicinity as police will deal with them severely.

He also warned communities alongside 40-Mile-Wawin road never to collect fees from commuters for fixing deteriorated road
sections.

“The school and the stakeholders are in the process to find amicable means to fix the road and if any roadside villagers intend to fix the deteriorated stretches, it must be done voluntarily,” he said.