Southern Highlands Governor William Powi has strongly rejected criticisms circulating on social media, describing them as “misleading” and lacking understanding of governance realities in the province.
Responding to a commentary titled “The DNA of Failure,” Mr Powi said such views reflect “confusion and limited knowledge” about leadership challenges, particularly in a province that has faced prolonged instability.
Mr Powi pointed to major disruptions over the past decade, including the 2012 separation of Hela Province from Southern Highlands Province and the destruction of Mendi during unrest between 2017 and 2022.
He said these events severely affected law and order, limiting the government’s ability to operate effectively from the provincial capital.
“As a result, we redirected our focus to rural development,” he stated, emphasizing that his administration adapted to circumstances rather than remaining inactive.
The governor highlighted progress in rural connectivity, claiming that all five district centers are now linked by sealed roads and electricity—an achievement he says compares favorably nationwide.
He cited the construction and upgrading of more than 50 feeder roads across the province, connecting remote communities and improving access to services.
In the education sector, Mr Powi said his government has delivered 16 new high schools and supported several secondary schools across the province.
He also pointed to developments in healthcare, including upgrades to Ialibu Hospital, the establishment of a Level 4 hospital in Nipa, and the construction of dozens of health centers.
According to Mr Powi, more than 1,300 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been supported under his leadership, contributing to local economic growth.
He also referenced improvements in law and justice infrastructure, including a new courthouse and housing developments in Mendi, as part of a broader urban recovery plan.
The governor highlighted partnerships with the national government on key infrastructure projects such as the Gulf–SHP Highway and Kikori port development, which aim to improve trade and connectivity for highlands provinces.
He said these initiatives position Mendi to become a future commercial hub for the upper highlands region.
While welcoming constructive criticism, Mr Powi urged critics to base their arguments on facts and to engage openly.
“Constructive critique is valuable,” he said, “but it must acknowledge both challenges and achievements.”
Mr Powi concluded that Southern Highlands is in a rebuilding phase following years of instability, and that current efforts are focused on laying a foundation for long-term development.
He called for respectful and informed public discourse that prioritizes the province’s future.
Southern Highlands has been decleared as a natural resources rich province. Mr. William Powi, the Governor of Southern Highlands province has been an Administrator & elected him to Governor for 15 years. You have put out some of your projects that have implement was out line..
During your term for 15 years governor.. Have you invested some of the Southern Highlands provincial government assets? Like other resources provinces did for their betterment of their province. Hopefully, you could be known the history of late Hela governor Anderson Agiru has build up his plan and gone. Hela provincial government is well established right away withness with our negative eyes and what have you done for your own Southern Highlands provincial government future. Southern Highlands need a quality leadership with transprancy and accoutabilty leader who can spearhead the province.