(Mendi, Southern Highlands Province)
Affected residents of old compound ward three in Mendi Town, who were victimized by the 2022 National General Election mayhem in Mendi, Southern Highlands Province staged their third peaceful protest today at the provincial capital.
The political mayhem which destroyed the lives of people, leaving the entire Old Compound suburb near Tubiri village burnt down to ashes made this significant approach purposely to get Governor William Titpe Powi’s attention towards the stage of their struggles after being affected by this turmoil.
This peaceful protest was held near the Assemblies of God Church Junction at Old Compound, which is opposite Mendi Airport, adjacent to highway leading into the town.
While gathering, the protestants stated that they decided raising their banner once again, after being overlooked by the Southern Highlands Provincial Government for more than two years.
These affected settlers during their main gathering today expressed their disappointment for being homeless, by raising concerns so that SHPG attend to this matter with possible solutions.
Chairman of the New Compound Development Association Inc. Mr. Berry Moya in an interview with the Sunday Bulletin Newspaper clarified that more than 100 houses belonging to public servants were burnt down as a result of the political mayhem, with estimated valuation totaling up to over K50 million.
Mr. Moya also added that the provincial government did not provide resettlement solutions yet after the destruction, and the victims are still wandering homelessly.
“The SHPG gave guarantees by commiting a K6 million for Old Compound Housing Scheme, committed another K1.5 million for relief funds, with verbal assurances to establish a permanent committee within SHPG to work with the affected settlers who are now scattered homelessly.”
Mr. Moya further explained that the K6 Million was given to a local Contractor from Sepik in 2023, but the housing scheme hasn’t resumed yet where as the K1.5 Million resettlement funds were not paid into their association account.
However, later today Governor for SHP Hon. William Powi called in the association representatives into the meeting at Mt. Lemina Lodge, together with provincial government’s divisional heads and advised acting Provincial Administrator Mr. David Kelma to make funds available through the association account.
As such, the chairman further extended words of appreciation to Governor Powi and the Southern Highlands Provincial Government for taking this timely approach to all outstanding matters with the affected people of old compound.
“I’d like to thank the Provincial Government’s administration for this timely response to release the resettlement funds of K1.5 million, as we are equal democrats just like others and deserves to be heard and attended to accordingly.”
The association chairman also discouraged general public’s reaction towards the Governor during vehicle presentations at the Mendi Police station today, and said that the people must respect mandated leaders.
From the Governor’s advice, New Compound Development Association Inc. awaits the action part of this verbal instruction, with thankfulness to the Governor and the SHP Provincial Administration.
