Bulolo town mourns mayor’s death

 By JUNIOR UKAHA

THE people of Bulolo town are mourning the death of Mayor Temo Kuwaweto.

Kuwaweto, in his 50s, and from Watut, died at about 3am yesterday at the Lae International Hospital following a short illness. 

He is the second local level government (LLG) president in the Bulolo electorate to pass away recently.

Late last year, Buang LLG president Sam Sakai was killed in a road accident at 9-Mile, outside Lae, while transporting a corpse into the city.  

The late Kuwaweto was elected president of Wau-Bulolo Urban LLG last August and occupied the Mayor’s office until his death.

The death has shocked Bulolo MP Sam Basil and Morobe Governor Kelly Naru, who sent their condolences to the family. 

In a statement, Naru said: “The late mayor was a key member of the Sam Sewe (provincial cabinet) and was chairman for transport where he served the people of Morobe with distinction in his short time.”

“Kuwaweto was an outstanding community leader and was actively involved in resolving the conflict between the Bubus of Waria and the Watuts in Wau and Bulolo.” 

Naru said he would assume the role left vacant by Kuwaweto until a new candidate was appointed. 

Bulolo administrator Tae Gwambalek said Wau-Bulolo Urban LLG manager Zure Tudi was in charge  of the funeral arrangements and the inform the public of the details soon.

Gwambalek said by-elections would be held for the two LLGs that had lost their presidents.

The late Kuwaweto is survived by his eight children.