Southern Highlands Governor William Powi officially handed keys to 20 public servants on Tuesday last week, marking the completion of newly built homes at the Old Compound in Mendi Town.
The houses replace those burnt down in 2022 by supporters of unsuccessful candidates for the Southern Highlands Regional seat, an act of post-election violence that had forced many public servants and their families from their homes.
Governor Powi, joined by Mendi Munihu MP Raphael Tonpi and Defence Minister Dr. Billy Joseph, urged the occupants to care for the properties.
He made a call ahead of the 2027 General Election, calling on the public not to repeat such destructive acts and to respect both government property and the public servants serving the community.
The reconstruction project, undertaken by Winward Limited and funded by the Provincial Government, is part of a larger plan. Governor Powi announced that 30 additional houses will be built, bringing the total to 50.
“Whether you are my supporter or not, as a public servant, it’s your right to sleep in a good house,” he stated.
Further development plans for Mendi were also revealed, including a new township mall with retail and dining options, and the Mendi Manda public servants housing project.
Governor Powi also commited K5 million to the shop owners and the buildings that were burned by fire last month.
Echoing the call for peace, Minister Joseph appealed to future political candidates to pursue leadership, not violence.
“You raise your hands to become leaders of this province; not warlords. Respect the people, respect this township, and let’s go into the 2027 election peacefully,” Dr Joseph said.