Mendi Munihu MP and Vice Minister for State-Owned Enterprises, Raphael Tonpi, has assured victims of last Friday’s devastating fire in Mendi Town that the government will take full responsibility for recovery efforts, while warning against individuals seeking to profit from the disaster.
Addressing affected business owners, Mr Tonpi described the fire as a collective concern for the province and the government.
“Mendi Town is the heartbeat of Southern Highlands Province.
“A business may be owned by one person, but the pain is felt by everyone. Whatever happens in Mendi is not one man’s issue- it is the government’s issue,” he said.
The MP announced immediate response measures, including the construction of a temporary fence around the affected area and the establishment of an officially sanctioned disaster relief committee. The committee is chaired by Deputy Provincial Administrator for Social and Economic Services, Jerry James.
Mr Tonpi stressed that all relief assistance must be coordinated through official provincial and district government systems to ensure transparency and fairness.
“There are opportunists trying to capitalize on this situation for personal gain. All assistance must be coordinated by the Provincial Government,” he warned.
To prevent misinformation, the MP directed that all official media releases related to the incident will be issued only through the Provincial Administration and the Governor’s Office.
Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands Provincial Government has ordered an independent investigation into the fire, which authorities are treating as two separate incidents that occurred at approximately 3:00am and 7:00pm on the same day.
PA James confirmed that investigators from the PNG Fire Service, PNG Power Limited, and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary’s Criminal Investigation Division have been tasked to determine the cause of the fire.
He said the investigation is expected to be completed within one week, though an extension may be required due to funding constraints and the upcoming festive season.
“This investigation will be conducted independently and without influence. Its purpose is to establish the cause of the fire and address the many questions raised by business owners and the public across Southern Highlands Province and Papua New Guinea,” Mr James said.
Affected business owner David Kelei also addressed the public, assuring residents of safety in Mendi and appealing to businesses to maintain normal pricing for basic goods and services.
He urged traders not to exploit the situation by increasing prices.
The provincial government has reaffirmed its commitment to begin rebuilding as soon as investigations are completed.
Mr James said the Provincial Administration would continue working through the Christmas period and public holidays to ensure investigations in both affected areas are finalized, endorsed, and made public.
“On behalf of the SHPA and the people of Southern Highlands Province, I state that this fire remains an isolated incident. No one should be blamed until investigations are fully completed,” he said.
He further appealed to business owners, community leaders, and the general public to maintain peace and normalcy in Mendi.
“This is not the first disaster our people have faced. We have endured many challenges, and through cooperation, we will rebuild a new Mendi,” Mr James said.
The provincial government also acknowledged Mr Tonpi’s leadership and presence on the ground, thanking him for sharing in the community’s grief and providing assurance that elected leaders and the provincial administration will take ownership of rebuilding the affected business houses.