By DALCY LULUA
SOUTHERN Highlands Governor, Hon. William Powi has commended Member for Nipa Kutubu and Defence and Fire Services Minister, Hon. Dr Billy Joseph for successfully passing the Fire and Rescue Service Bill 2025.
“I want to commend the government and congratulate the Minister for Defence and Fire Services for presenting the important Bill in the Parliament today,” said Powi.
“As simple as it may be, it shows that Minister is working and presenting Bill to parliament and that is the point. We should not be taking such Bill for granted,” he added.
The National Fire Service has Fire Brigades and Stations established in 13 provinces in the country while 9 provinces are yet to have Fire Services in their provinces.
Under the proposed Bill, the aim of the PNG Fire Service is to have Fire Brigades and Stations established in all districts and provinces in the country, including the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
“It may sound small and simple but it’s equally an important service for the 9 other provinces that were not included in this Fire Protection Service and Mendi in Southern Highlands is one of them,” Governor Powi said.
The Governor invited the Minister to consult with him for a Fire station to be set up in Mendi.
“If you want to expand this Fire Services in Mendi, we’re from the same electorate, it makes it easy for consultations to provide this important service in the province.
“In the National scale I commend you, for the important service to the 9 other provinces who do not have Fire Stations in their province,” said Governor Powi.