20 homeowners of Old Compound in Mendi receive keys to new houses

On Tuesday, August 18, 2026—four years to the day after severe election-related violence devastated Mendi Town, Governor William Powi and the Southern Highlands Provincial Administration presented 20 homeowners from the Old Compound community with keys, land titles, and allotment documents for their new homes.

Old Compound, home to public servants from various provinces, was among the communities hardest hit by the 2022 National Election related violence that destroyed parts of Mendi Town, leaving dozens homeless. After the rebuilding process, the name is New Compound.

The presentation brings the total number of rebuilt residences delivered to 40, with an additional 20 currently under construction as part of ongoing relief efforts.

​Speaking on behalf of the displaced families, former Deputy Provincial Administrator Fiebik Simon Kilip expressed appreciation to Governor Powi while reflecting on the trauma of the 2022 tragedy.

Kilip said, the new houses restore safety, dignity, and hope to the community. He also extended a message of forgiveness to those responsible for the destruction and urged PNG Power to install a power transmitter and restore electricity so residents can fully settle back into their homes.

"We stood helplessly and watched the homes we built with love turn to ash. With nothing in our hands, we fled with our children into the bushes of Tubiri Village, running only to save our lives.

"When those houses burnt, we did not just lose shelter. We lost the walls that held our childhood memories. We lost kitchens where mothers cooked for their families, rooms where children took their first steps, and places that carried the history of our families and our town. Businesses were destroyed. The properties of innocent people were gone in a single night. We were left with grief, trauma, and uncertainty." He said.

Kilip said for four years the community carried the memory, properties of innocents were gone in a single night and they were left with grief and uncertainty.

"The handing over of these house keys is more than the return of shelter. It is the restoration of dignity, security, and a future for our children. It is the beginning of new memories in homes built on the strength of our past.” He said.

Kilip said on behalf of those who suffered loss, they chose to forgive those who destroyed their houses and properties.

"On behalf of all who suffered loss, we choose forgiveness. We forgive those who destroyed our houses and properties. We release the bitterness so that we can build peace for our children," he said.