Basil laid to rest in Segayo village

By GLORIA BAUAI
LATE Deputy Prime Minister and Bulolo MP Sam Basil was laid to rest at his Segayo village in Buang, Morobe, over the weekend.
Basil, who also held the Transport Ministry, passed away on May 11, in a tragic car accident in his own electorate along the Wau-Bulolo highway.
Basil’s death was described by many as the uniting force – bringing together the province and political leaders on the eve of the 2022 general election.
Watut president and Bulolo district development authority deputy chairman Waka Daimon said the sudden death of their leader had shaken the electorate and he thanked the nation for its support in their time of grief.
Daimon said they had just completed a visit to Watut, and were returning to Lae to prepare for election nominations when Basil’s vehicle collided with another at Samsam that Wednesday.
“He was like a father to us and cared for the electorate like his child and we are at loss.”
Late Basil’s body departed Lae on Thursday and toured each local level government in his electorate before overnighting at Mumeng and then on to his home in Buang on Friday.
Business community representatives and political leaders convoyed into Buang last Friday to witness his burial on Saturday.