INVESTIGATIONS INTO MENDI FIRE TO BE SANCTIONED; BSP NARROWLY MISSES FIRE

BY SAMUEL RAITANO

INVESTIGATIONS into the burning down of buildings and business houses in the heart of Mendi town early this morning will be sanctioned, narrowly missing BSP branch.

The incident happened early hours this morning, leaving the residents and citizens of Mendi town shocked this morning.

According to witnesses on ground, there was no fire service in Mendi, making it difficult to put out the fire which started from Menduli end and engulfed all the building, threatening the bank as well.

The cause of the fire is yet to be established.

Southern Highlands Provinces Deputy Administrator, Districts, LLGs Law and Justice, Dr Emmanuel Kumpio Andrew vows that an investigation will definitely be sanctioned to establish the cause of the fire that left the heart of Mendi town in ashes, claiming a number of shops and narrowly missing the Bank in town .

Dr Andrew made this known this morning, while lamenting the loss of iconic shopping complexes and hub of business in the provincial capital.

The deputy Provincial Administrator says he will seek clarity from the Province Administrator and advise Terms of Reference and also plan to include an external team as well, apart from CID based in Mendi.

Meanwhile, Dr Andrew thanks all the youths of Mendi town, together with police personel who braved the fire and saved the BSP building which was nearly engulfed.

He makes a special thank you to local company Construct Oceanic Ltd for providing water trucks to stop the fire from burning the BSP Building.

Attempts to obtain information on casualties reported at Mendi General Hospital from this fire, has been unsuccessful at this time.