The District Commissioner
Addendum 54: Mendi & LAke Kutubu
Additional information for Chapter 30 - Transfer to Mendi)
Mendi is the capital of the Southern Highlands Province and the Lai River runs by it. It is a 1.5 hour flight from Port Moresby. Mendi is connected to several major cities and towns by road but many of the roads are unpaved and can be challenging to drive. The Highlands Highway is the main highway in the area which runs from Lae in Morobe Province, to Tari in Hela Province.
The following information has been sourced from wikitravel.org/en/Mendi
“Mendi is at an altitude of 1,675 m (5,495 feet) and lies in the Mendi River valley on a gentle volcanic slope. Its population is around 20,000. The valley is flanked to the east by Mount Giluwe, PNG’s second highest mountain, and to the west by limestone peaks that separate it from the Lai Valley.”
The Kikori River originates from the mountainous area where Mendi is located, and the Erave and Strickland rivers flow through.
“In addition to the town and the river, ‘Mendi’ also refers to the people who live in the surrounding areas. Temperatures in the area range from 7° to 24°” (with cool mornings, warm afternoons and heavy rainfall throughout the year), “with high-altitude areas regularly experiencing crop-damaging frosts. Vegetables and coffee are the main crops” as well as tea gardens and a sawmill.
The following information was sourced from Wikipedia at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mendi “In mid-June 2018 a regional crisis occurred in Mendi when the Papua New Guinea declared a state of emergency and suspended the Southern Highlands provincial government based in Mendi for nine months. Rioting had occurred when a regional court had ruled against a challenge to a provincial election by the losing candidate. A local warehouse was looted, buildings in Mendi were torched, and a Link PNG plane parked at the airport was destroyed by fire. Troops were sent in by the Papua New Guinea government to restore order.“
A K27.7 million redevelopment upgrade of the Mendi airport (runway and terminal buildings) is underway as part of the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program, or CADIP. Sinohydro Corporation Limited is the construction company.
The photo above was sourced from the 16 May 22 article from “The National” at www.thenational.com.pg/official-mendi-airport-set-to-open-after-casa-inspection/
David Marsh built the original Mendi airstrip with local
labour in 1967-1968 from limestone boulders.
Wikitravel.org/en/Mendi suggests nearby areas of interest for the traveller :
“Lake Kutubu
Although at 800m above sea level, this is considered to be in the lowlands of the Southern Highlands province. Southwest of Mendi, the culture is similar to that of the lower lying Western Province of PNG as men and women live in segregated houses. Considered to be one of the most beautiful spots in PNG, despite the presence of Chevron who are pumping oil into a pipeline down to the south coast.
You can canoe around the lake to visit the villages and swim in the lake. The lake has considerable biodiversity and ecological significance, with ten of its fourteen fish found only there.
Reachable from Mendi by road but also, because of the oil extraction, directly from Port Moresby to Moro Airport on Airlines PNG.”
Photo of a “village on Lake Kutubu Ramsar site by Aaron Jenkins” was sourced from The Wetlands International website at www.wetlands.org/village-on-lake-kutubu-ramsar-site-by-aaron-jenkins/
Photo of a suspension bridge over Lake Kutubu in 1962 and was sourced online.
This photo is of Lake Kutubu in 1962 and was sourced online.
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Tari
“As a town Tari has little to offer. But it is close to the land of the Huli Wigmen, is one of the few reachable places where people still wear traditional costumes, and also offers excellent birdwatching. It is about 75 miles west of Mendi by road and has weekly flights from Port Moresby on Air Niugini. The Huli have a very traditional culture. Young men go into the jungle alone for months to develop the skills that will earn them respect. During this period they grow their hair long in preparation for making their first wig. Special events cause Huli Wigmen to spend hours preparing their costumes and make-up, complete with wigs.”
Other nearby places of interest described at www.wildtrips.net/places/Mendi-Papua-New-Guinea-what-to-visit.htm include :
“Lake Kopiago is another picturesque lake located an hour's drive from Mendi. It is a popular camping and picnicking spot with forested areas and hiking trails.
Marawaka Falls is a waterfall located in the mountains near Mendi. Visitors can swim in the crystal clear pool at the base of the falls and enjoy the lush scenery.
Mount Bosavi is an extinct volcano that offers beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest and savannah located about 3-4 hours’ drive from Mendi.
Wabag Town is a bustling town located about 1 hour from Mendi, with a lively market, local shops, hotels, and restaurants.
Porgera is a popular mining town located about 2 hours’ drive from Mendi, known for its gold mining activities and beautiful mountain views.
Kudjip is a small town about 2 hours’ drive from Mendi, home to the Kudjip Hospital and some nice hiking trails.”