24/12/2025
: SHPHA Expresses Sympathy to Mendi Businesses Affected by Devastating Fire
Mendi, Southern Highlands Province β Friday, 19 December 2025
The Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (SHPHA) has expressed deep sympathy and solidarity with business houses in Mendi Town following the devastating fire that destroyed major shopping centres in the heart of the town last Friday.
Describing the incident as one of the darkest moments in the provinceβs history, SHPHA Chief Executive Officer Dr Joseph Birisi said the destruction has left a lasting scar on the community, particularly during the Christmas season a time traditionally marked by joy, peace and togetherness.
βThis is a sad Christmas for all of us. We grieve with the business owners, workers and families who have lost so much. Your loss is our loss,β Dr Birisi said.
Dr Birisi highlighted that the impact of the fire extends far beyond the business sector and poses serious challenges to essential service delivery across the province, especially health services.
SHPHA operates more than 170 health facilities across Southern Highlands Province, including Mendi Provincial Hospital, district hospitals, health centres, sub-health centres and community health posts. These facilities are supported by nearly 1,000 staff from both government and church-run services.
βOur health facilities depend heavily on local businesses for fuel, food supplies, hardware, stationery and other essential goods,β Dr Birisi said. βThe loss of these businesses directly affects our ability to deliver health services to our people.β
He added that travelling outside the province to access supplies, particularly to Mt Hagen, remains risky due to poor road conditions, making the presence of local businesses critical to the functioning of health, police, banking and education sectors.
βThe ripple effect of this tragedy is already being felt across institutions. Offices and frontline workers are struggling to access essential goods and services, and this will continue to disrupt service delivery if urgent action is not taken,β he said.
On behalf of the SHPHA Board, management and staff, Dr Birisi extended condolences to affected business owners and small-to-medium enterprises, acknowledging their long-standing contribution to the province.
βDespite many challenges over the years, these business houses have continued to serve Southern Highlands with courage and sacrifice. We honour their commitment and resilience,β he said.
Dr Birisi also appealed to the National Government, Provincial Government, District Development Authorities, Mendi Town authorities and development partners to urgently prioritise restoration and rebuilding efforts.
βCritical town services such as water supply, fire services and waste management must be restored and strengthened. Without these, neither businesses nor essential institutions can operate effectively,β he said.
He assured the business community that SHPHA remains committed to supporting local businesses and keeping financial resources circulating within the province to sustain livelihoods and economic recovery.
βAs a health service provider, we believe the spirit of Christmas reminds us of compassion, renewal and strength. Despite the pain we face today, we must remain united,β Dr Birisi said.
βMay this season bring comfort to those grieving, courage to those rebuilding, and peace to every household. Together, we will recover. Together, we will leave no one behind.β
