The Gulf Provincial Administration has employed the assistance of police and the PNG Fire and Rescue Service to investigate the devastating fire that destroyed the historical Koraea Haus early this morning in Kerema town.

The acting Governor for Gulf province Mr. Morris Taudevin confirmed to PNG Hausbung this afternoon that an investigative team from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) and the Fire and Rescue Service are currently on the highway heading to Kerema town from Port Moresby city.

The massive fire ripped through the Koraea Haus at around 1:20AM this morning, destroying the provincial assembly office, the treasury office and the IRC offices located within the colonial era building.

Mr. Taudevin says that for the time being the functions of the provincial administration will be moved to other location within the province.

“The function of the treasury will be moved temporarily to Malalaua,” says the acting governor, adding that the Provincial Executive Council (PEC) will further meet and decide on the next move forward.

MP for Kerema and Finance Minister Thomas Opa took to his social media page this morning to express his sympathy for the unfortunate incident.

“This is a sad time for Gulf Province waking up to news that the Koraea Haus that houses Gulf Treasury office, the Provincial Assembly and IRC in Kerema Town has gone up in flames early hours of the morning. We will rebuild again better and stronger,” said the MP on his social media page. 

Mr. Taudevin said the building holds significance to the province, and its destruction has left a somber feeling amongst the people of Gulf along with the leaders of the province as well.  

The investigation is expected to start soon and the findings revealed as to what caused the devastating fire this morning.