MENDI POLICE STATION / SHP PROVINCIAL POLICE HQ UPGRADE — POLICE COMMAND REMAINS OPERATIONAL
Southern Highlands Governor William Powi has clarified statements and speculation claiming that the Provincial Police Headquarters in Mendi has been “demolished” and that the Police Command has been left without a base of operations.
Powi said the refurbishment and upgrade of the Mendi Police Station / Southern Highlands Provincial Police Headquarters have been communicated and discussed with relevant stakeholders since July 2025 as part of the wider restoration program. Senior police leadership had long advised that the existing facility had become unsafe and was no longer fit for purpose.
He added that this upgrade is being undertaken for one reason above all: public safety and police safety. Southern Highlands has already seen the consequences when law-and-order infrastructure is compromised.
Powi recalled that in April 2024, the Mendi Police Station was ransacked, police members were assaulted, and vehicles destroyed. “Those incidents are exactly why we must strengthen, modernize, and secure essential policing facilities,” he said.
“We urge senior police leadership to work with the Governor’s Office and SHPG to make full use of these facilities, which were put in place specifically to support continuity of command.”
Arrangements for temporary facilities for rank-and-file police officers are currently being finalized in close consultation with the Provincial Police Command and SHPG. The Governor’s Office, SHPG, and the SHP Provincial Police Command are working closely to ensure continuity of operations at every level. The project is progressing in stages, with proper accountability.
Powi emphasized that this police station upgrade is a national priority law-and-order project. SHPG has already funded and paid half of the initial works package to deliver the first portion of the upgrade and keep construction moving.
He added that they will continue working with the Department of National Planning and Monitoring through the ITCS process to finalize the full construction and completion program. “The pathway has taken longer than the Province expected or accepts. But we will not abandon this project because our people and our police need it,” said Powi.
In Southern Highlands, the Governor’s Office, the Provincial Administration under David Kelma, and the Southern Highlands Provincial Police Command under Chief Inspector Mas Tuman are working as one team.
“We are restoring order, rebuilding Mendi, and moving forward with results. We want stability. Rule of law must be maintained before other development can follow,” said Powi.
