THE Southern Highlands Provincial Government (SHPG) has moved to clarify public concerns surrounding ongoing works at the Mendi Police Station, confirming that policing operations and provincial police command remain fully operational despite refurbishment works at the site.
In a statement issued this week, the Governor said recent claims that the Southern Highlands Provincial Police Headquarters had been “demolished” and left police without a base were incorrect, stressing that the works form part of a planned and authorised upgrade aimed at improving safety and functionality.
The refurbishment of the Mendi Police Station, which also serves as the provincial police headquarters, has been discussed with key stakeholders since July 2025 under the province’s broader restoration and law-and-order program. Senior police leadership had previously advised that the existing facility was unsafe and no longer fit for purpose.
The Governor noted that the upgrade was driven by lessons from past incidents, including the April 2024 attack on the Mendi police station in which facilities were ransacked, police officers assaulted and vehicles destroyed.
“There is no shutdown of policing in Mendi and no vacuum in command-and-control,” the statement said.
According to the Governor’s Office, temporary arrangements have been in place since November 2025 to ensure continuity of police leadership and operations. Senior police commanders and officers have access to accommodation and office facilities at Mendi Valley Plaza, under arrangements agreed to by all parties late last year.
Temporary facilities for rank-and-file police members are also being finalised in consultation with the Provincial Police Command and SHPG, with all parties working closely to maintain uninterrupted policing services.
The project is being implemented in stages, with a contractor formally engaged and initial works nearing completion. The Governor emphasised that accountability and continuity of operations were central to the staged approach.
The police station upgrade is classified as a national priority law-and-order project and forms part of the infrastructure package approved for ITCS support in 2025 with Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited. Engagement with national processes has been ongoing since April 2025.
However, when the ITCS funding envelope for Southern Highlands priority projects was reduced, SHPG decided to step in to prevent delays. The provincial government has already funded and paid for half of the initial works package to ensure construction continued.
Discussions are continuing with the Department of National Planning and Monitoring through the ITCS process to finalise the full construction and completion program.
The Governor acknowledged delays in the national pathway but said the province would not abandon a project critical to public safety and policing.
He also highlighted unity among provincial leadership, including the Provincial Administration under David Kelma and the Southern Highlands Provincial Police Command led by Mas Tuman.
“Our priority is stability and the rule of law,” the Governor said, adding that effective policing was essential before broader development could take place.
He called on the public to remain calm, united and supportive as the upgrade progresses, saying Southern Highlands was determined to demonstrate maturity, discipline and respect for the rule of law as it rebuilds and moves forward.