Menduli building in Mendi destroyed by early morning blaze

A massive fire gutted the iconic Menduli Limited building, a pioneer commercial hub owned by the United Church in Mendi, Southern Highlands Province.

The inferno, which started in the early hours, quickly engulfed the structure, threatening nearby properties. Locals in Mendi mobilized immediately, battling the intense heat and flames to prevent the fire from spreading.

Their heroic efforts saved the Mendi branch of the Bank of South Pacific [BSP], the town’s only banking facility.

The two primary tenants, Pisgah Limited and Wantok Trading, suffered catastrophic losses. Mendi-Munihu MP Raphael Tonpi expressed grief over the incident, labeling it a 'heartbreaking day' for the province.

He said businesses had remained steadfast in providing essential services to the public, even during the province's most challenging times.

The MP, who is also the Vice Minister for State Owned Enterprises reminisced about the building’s legacy, saying that it stood alongside other historic names like Bromley and Manton, Gilsenan Melpa, and Magani Motors.

"To learn that these iconic groups of buildings are down to ashes is sad and heartbreaking indeed," Tonpi said. "Those of us who grew up in the 70s and 80s have fond memories of these businesses that served the entire Southern Highlands. Seeing them gone is a blow to our history."

He said United Church, who owns the entire property, will suffer a big loss. This building supports the church in its operation, and losing everything will also have a lot of setbacks in their operations.

"I pray that God will grant you peace as you manoeuvre this situation," he said. "This affects not just the owners, but the families of those employed there and the general population who relied on their services.

"Our local SMEs like Pisgah Limited, Wantok Trading Limited, United Church Bukstoa, the Hauskai, and the hair saloon owned and operated by locals have been lost.

"These local companies continue to provide the services even at very trying times."

He extended his deepest gratitude to the faithful Mendi town residents, whose intervention saved the bank, and bravery prevented an even larger economic disaster.

The cause of the fire remains unknown. Police are currently on-site, and will carry out an investigation.