Give peace a chance in Mendi, Tonpi says

MENDI-MUNIHU MP Raphael Tonpi says he respects the decision of leaders and supporters of regional candidates involved in fights in Mendi town to stop and allow peace to prevail.
“It must never be repeated, he said. Tonpi said while peace talks were underway, there was need for a heavy presence of security forces to give confidence to the public.
He said it was sad for some public servants’ families from other provinces who had been providing services since the colonial days forced to take refuge elsewhere after their properties were burnt down.
He said these were the people who came to shed light and they should be respected at all times in future.
“I’m sorry for what had been done, the violence affected all Southern Highlanders, public service and business houses were closed,” he said.
“Classes have been suspended for Mendi Secondary and other primary schools in Mendi and sick patients struggled to seek medical treatment at Mendi General Hospital,” he said.
Tonpi said he had plans to develop Mendi town like resealing the town area, erecting concrete pathway, provide water supplies and beautify the town that should help change the mind-set of the people to respect the town.