Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, James Marape, today officiated a series of landmark agreements and ribbon-cutting ceremonies in Tari, Hela Province, marking a new chapter of development and prosperity for the province and its resource-affected communities.
The events brought together government officials, local landowners, and key development partners, including ExxonMobil PNG, Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC), Petroleum Resources Kutubu (PRK), PNG Power Ltd, Dirio Power, China Railway Company, and the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC).
Speaking at the event, Marape said the initiatives reflected his government’s vision to ensure that resource-rich provinces like Hela benefit directly from their contributions to the national economy.
“Today is a good day for Hela — a day when we are seeing the rewards of our patience and partnership. This province has carried the national economy for decades through its oil and gas projects, and it is only right that the people of Hela also enjoy the fruits of that contribution,” he said.
Marape highlighted the collaboration between the State, Provincial Government, landowners, and private sector partners, describing it as a practical demonstration of inclusive development under the Connect PNG and Take Back PNG policies. He also announced the release of long-awaited landowner funds, encouraging their use for housing, education, and small business development.
The day saw the launch of four major partnerships:
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Support for Rural Health Services
PRK signed an agreement with the Hela Provincial Health Authority to provide incentives for doctors serving in remote areas, aiming to improve rural healthcare delivery.
“This investment in health is an investment in life,” Marape said. “Our doctors working in remote areas deserve recognition, and I commend PRK and the PHA for this partnership that will save lives.” -
Construction of the Hela Hilton Heritage Hotel
Landowners from Kutubu, Hides, Moran, Angore, and Juha, through MRDC and Hela Investment Limited, signed an agreement to develop the Hela Hilton Heritage Hotel, a project expected to create jobs, promote tourism, and showcase Hela’s cultural identity.
“This hotel will be a symbol of Hela’s progress — a modern facility built by our own people to welcome the world to our beautiful province,” Marape said. -
Electrification by Transpower Ltd
Local landowner company Transpower Ltd agreed to extend power reticulation across Hela, advancing the government’s rural electrification goals under Connect PNG. -
5MW Power Supply by ExxonMobil PNG
ExxonMobil PNG committed to supplying five megawatts of electricity, powering local industries, schools, and hospitals.
“Hela has been in the dark since the beginning of the PNG LNG Project. Today, power is finally coming to our homes, schools, and hospitals. This is the light of development our people have been waiting for,” Marape said.
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to past leaders and urged unity among current and future leaders to ensure Hela achieves full prosperity.
“Hela has carried the weight of the nation’s economy for decades. Now it is time for Hela to rise with tangible development, infrastructure, and opportunity for its people,” he concluded.