PNG Defence Minister urges action after Mendi town fires
As business owners in Mendi begin counting their losses following Friday’s fires, Papua New Guinea Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph has admitted the town was left exposed due to the absence of a functioning fire service.
The minister said the fires that swept through Mendi’s commercial centre had forced several local companies out of operation, with no immediate emergency response available to control the situation.
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| Papua New Guinea Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph |
He said the lack of a fire station in the Southern Highlands capital was not a new issue, revealing that a formal assessment recommending a fire station had already been completed by the PNG Fire Service last year.
According to the minister, the challenge has been moving the proposal forward without the backing of the host provincial government, despite repeated warnings about the risks faced by the township.
Dr Joseph said the fires should prompt urgent cooperation among government agencies to ensure essential services are established and properly supported to protect lives and investments.
He called on the Southern Highlands Provincial Government to work closely with the PNG Fire Service to prioritise the construction of a fire station before embarking on rebuilding efforts in the town.
The minister said emergency services play a critical role in economic growth and community safety, yet are often ignored until disasters occur.
He said provincial authorities must assist by allocating land or buildings and helping fund the purchase of fire engines to ensure Mendi is no longer left vulnerable.
In response to the incident, fire crews from Mt Hagen and Wabag were sent to Mendi with basic equipment to help prevent further fires and assist provincial disaster teams with investigations.
Their report will include findings on the cause of the fires, estimated losses, and recommendations for reconsidering the proposed fire station.
“It is heartbreaking to see families and business owners lose everything they have worked for, and my thoughts are with them during this difficult time,” Dr Joseph said.
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