Tears and tribute as Wau Waria mourns late Morobe Governor Wenge

Grief swept across Morobe Province as leaders and residents from all ten districts gathered yesterday at the haus krai of the late Governor Luther Akisawa Wenge.

Visitations continued late into the night at Lae’s Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium indoor complex, with Wau Waria, Morobe’s youngest district, arriving last to pay respects.

Wau Waria MP Marsh Narewec, visibly emotional, led a convoy of his people to the gathering, describing his district as the “last born” of Morobe’s ten districts. He credited Wenge’s backing for much of the district’s progress, particularly in road development.

Narewec recalled his heartbreak upon learning of Wenge’s death on September 13, a day before the Morobe–Northern Highway reached Garaina station for the first time.

“Late Governor Wenge approved K5 million for my district. I had bought machinery and equipment to ensure the road reached Garaina before Independence Day,” Narewec said. “I was overjoyed when I drove into Garaina station, only to get a call that our Songang, Late Luther Akisawa Wenge, had left us.”

In tribute, Wau Waria district contributed K100,000 in cash, along with livestock and food supplies, to support Wenge’s family and the haus krai.

Wenge, 65, was one of Morobe’s most influential political figures, serving several terms as governor. A lawyer by profession, he was first elected in 1997 and became known as a strong voice for provincial autonomy and good governance.

After losing office in 2012, Wenge returned to politics in 2022, reclaiming the governorship under the People’s Labour Party. During his tenure, he was widely credited with pushing for infrastructure development in Papua New Guinea’s largest province by land area, and for defending Morobe’s share of revenues from resource projects.

As preparations continue for the formal arrival of Wenge’s body on Friday, Morobe remains united in grief and gratitude. Many in the province regard him as a leader whose legacy will be remembered for his outspoken advocacy and contributions to development across both Lae city and rural districts.