Police investigating cause of Wau courthouse fire

By JUNIOR UKAHA
THE Wau Court House in Bulolo, Morobe mysteriously burned to ashes early on Saturday.
It was built in the 1960s and housed the village court and council office.
Nearby residents woke up at day break and were surprised to see the smouldering remains of the building.
Police said they were investigating the cause of the fire as there was no fire service in Wau.
Provincial police commander Supt Alex N’drasal told The National: “Right now we do not know what caused the fire.
“There are no fire services in the area so we are not sure what really happened.
“I have asked my policemen to investigate the incident.
“We (police) are questioning two men over the incident; one of them is a security guard at the court house.”
N’drasal said the building was a very old one and was recently condemned, resulting in the district court functions being transferred to Bulolo town.
N’drasal said Wau village court sittings would be affected and village court officials may have to look for an alternative place to hear cases.
Wau-Bulolo Mayor Sogga Gaumina expressed concern about the incident.
“It is an important building that has an important function,” Gaumina said.
“All important court files and council documents were in that building.”
The mayor said they would make arrangements for village court magistrates to hear cases at the Edio Compound Community Hall until a new court house was built.