Development of the proposed Western Pacific University in Papua New Guinea's Southern Highlands province has made little progress.
Western Pacific University under construction. Photo: Western Pacific University Project/ Jeannie Haugie
The project in Prime Minister Peter O'Neill's Ialibu Pangia district in the Southern Highlands started in 2014.
Mr O'Neill said last year that the government had allocated $US11 million to the project, with China providing a further $US15 million.
However, expectations that the university's first intake of students would be in 2020 appear increasingly unlikely.
The project is still in the infancy of its construction phase, with lecture theatres and staff accomodation far from complete.
RNZ Pacific understands that with Southern Highlands to host the PNG Games in 2021, local authorities will look to use the new facilities at the university.
This could require extra funding to expedite construction.
