Raun Raun Theatre to be Rehabilitated

Raun Raun Theatre to be Rehabilitated

The Tourism Promotion Authority through the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture will renovate the historical Raun Raun Theatre in Goroka, Eastern Highlands with a K100,000 funding.

Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture Hon. Emil Tammur MP said work will begin immediately to get the iconic traditional structure ready for the Goroka Show in September this year.

Minister Tammur said the funding support from Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) was timely as the facility will host several performances for tourists during the Goroka Show weekend.

“My Ministry is grateful for TPA recognising the importance of rehabilitating the Raun Raun Theatre and for capturing this funding in their 2019 budget because it is an iconic structure and a tourism attraction on its own,” said the Minister.

The Minister said sadly many such valuable structures around the country which are part of PNG’s historical and cultural heritage have been neglected over the years due to lack of funding.

Minister Tammur said under the Marape/Steven Government, culture and tourism, will be a key focus for development not only for economic empowerment but to also instill pride in our cultural heritage for our people,  particularly the younger generation.

He said TPA has also funded other major tourism products and infrastructure in Eastern Highlands including the Asaro Mudaman Amphitheatre (performance stage and amenities for tourists including toilets) in Mando in the Daulo Electorate and the Kemase Tourism Site in Lufa.

TPA Chief Executive Officer Mr Jerry Agus said this was part of the Authority’s overall product development program to revive tourism in Goroka and Eastern Highlands.

Mr Agus said similar projects are also being undertaken in the other provinces as well under the TPA’s overall product development scheme.

Minister Tammur said once the Raun Raun theatre has been rehabilitated it is hoped that the structure will be used by schools for educational programs and visits by tourists after the Goroka Show.

(L-R) Minister Hon. Tammur Tammur MP, Raun Raun Theatre Director Mr John Dua, TPA CEO Mr Jerry Agus, and National Cultural Commission acting executive director Mr Steven Kilanda with the dummy K100,000 cheque. 

For further information, email the TPA Provincial Coordination and Product Development Division: ppd@papuanewguinea.travel  

For media enquiries email Mr. Colin Taimbari: colin.taimbari@papuanewguinea.travel