Southern Highlands Provincial Administrator David Kelma has dismissed social media rumors that rapid infrastructure developments in Imbonggu District are laying the groundwork to relocate the provincial capital from Mendi to Walum.

Speaking during the official opening of the new Bank South Pacific (BSP) sub-branch at Walum on Friday, November 13, 2026, Mr. Kelma firmly clarified that Mendi will always remain the headquarters of the Southern Highlands Province.

However, local Member of Parliament and Minister for Justice and Attorney General, Hon. Pila Niningi, bluntly countered the Administrator’s remarks, warning that relocating the provincial headquarters to Walum remains a real possibility if law and order issues in Mendi persist.

Minister Niningi pointed directly to the recurring destruction of state infrastructure as a major threat to Mendi’s status. He stated that moving the capital to Walum could happen simply due to the ongoing attitude of fighting and burning public properties in Mendi.

Addressing the crowd gathered at Walum, Minister Niningi openly challenged attendees to take a clear message back to the people of Mendi: they must demonstrate that they are capable of protecting and caring for public assets.

The Minister highlighted that Walum is already rapidly establishing itself as a major administrative and service hub, boasting essential government and commercial facilities including:

• Air Niugini

• Motor Vehicles Insurance Limited (MVIL)

• Internal Revenue Commission (IRC)

• The National Court

• Police station

• The Provincial Government Finance and Treasury Division

• The newly opened BSP sub-branch