Arsonist Destroys Key Government Buildings in Mount Hagen

Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea – An inferno has gutted key government buildings in Mount Hagen, including the provincial education and provincial affairs offices, sending shockwaves through the Western Highlands.

The fire, believed to have been started by an arsonist using petrol, destroyed thousands of kina worth of equipment and, critically, irreplaceable records. Among the lost documents were the province's land titles, a loss that has Vincent Auali, Assistant Secretary for Provincial Affairs, deeply concerned about potential land disputes.

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When news of the disaster spread at the weekend, rumours that schools would close flourished. But provincial education boss Malcolm Culligan is not going to let that happen.

Teachers who had applied for transfers and promotions found their hopes turned to ashes as their applications were destroyed. While rumors of school closures circulated, provincial education boss Malcolm Culligan assured that operations would continue. Staff from the education office will relocate to the community resource center at Kagamuga, while Provincial Affairs staff have options to move into other government buildings.

This incident marks the fourth arson attack in the province since the 1982 national elections. Previous fires targeted the Mount Hagen district office, Angalimp Antambul district offices, and the provincial headquarters. Police are increasing patrols, fearing further incidents.

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Other equipment lost could be bought, but the lands files were hard to replace. He is worried people could give his officers a hard time. Land disputes could easily be generated.