A major infrastructure development package is coming to Waimapuru National Secondary School starting in 2027, according to the Solomon Islands Government.

Education Minister Stephen Kumi revealed the plans on 21 October 2026 while speaking at the school’s graduation ceremony in Makira/Ulawa Province.

Kumi told the school community that the upcoming 2027 Development Budget includes 14 infrastructure projects for Waimapuru NSS under the Schools Infrastructure Development Budget Programme.

“This is an important commitment towards improving the learning and living environment for students and staff at the school,” Kumi says.

The 14 projects feature a water supply system along with the rehabilitation of five dormitories, three classrooms, and five staff houses.

These investments aim to improve access to safe water, student accommodation, classrooms, and staff housing.

“Implementation must follow approved government budget, procurement, and project-management processes,” Kumi says.

He adds that MEHRD, through the Permanent Secretary and relevant Education Providers, will work with authorities and school leaders to ensure effective coordination, monitoring, and accountability.

Kumi also encouraged the school principal, teachers, students, School Board, MEHRD, the Makira-Ulawa and Temotu Provincial Governments, and the wider community to protect these facilities once completed.

He urged stakeholders to report maintenance needs early to ensure responsible use and long-term upkeep for current and future students and teachers.

In addition to physical infrastructure, MEHRD reiterated its commitment to supporting professional development for schools across the country.

“Infrastructure alone cannot improve learning,” Kumi says.

He noted that Waimapuru also needs adequate teachers, full subject coverage, and ongoing professional development.

“MEHRD, through the Permanent Secretary and relevant technical and provincial officers, will coordinate oversight and respond to identified needs,” Kumi says.

He encouraged school leaders to document staffing, training, and student-support priorities and submit them through official MEHRD channels.

In 2027, MEHRD will introduce a new structure placing education-provider functions under the Permanent Secretary’s Education Provider Office within the Education Provider and Provincial Partnerships Division.

This restructuring aims to strengthen oversight of Waimapuru NSS, provincial coordination, and access to MEHRD’s technical support.