Hela Province

Hela Provincial Administrator, William Bando, said since the deployment of the security forces in Hela, the election process has been progressive with less violence.

Bando said despite public perception, Hela is still a young and developing province with a lot of potential.

However, he said security is still a concern, considering the recent Hela call-out.

Bando will be having a word with the heads of the security forces to discuss the possibilities of looking into suspected areas where raids can be conducted to secure illegal weapons in the province.

After speaking with the Hela Provincial Police Commander, Luke Wally, Gari Baki said: "I am indeed very satisfied with the outcome of this election period and I hope this continues throughout the polling period as well.”

Commissioner Baki said despite public perception, Hela has been relatively quiet, apart from the one or two incidents in recent weeks.

The elections needed to be taken seriously, stated the commissioner.

“Everyone must make sure that it is delivered successfully in their respective regions.”

Earlier this week, OSF handed over 11 vaccine fridges, 22 vaccine cool boxes, 44 vaccine carriers and 11 solar generators with panels to HPHA Chief Executive, Dr Gunzee Gawin and his staff at the Hela Provincial Hospital.

HGB chairman Damien Arabagali thanked the country’s first prime minister and wished him good health in his retirement from politics.      

Arabagali in a media conference this morning also paid tribute to Lady Veronica and the people of East Sepik for supporting Sir Michael in his 49 years in politics.  

He said the National Alliance Party headed by Sir Michael who was then prime minister kept the parties commitment gaining new provinces for Hela and Jiwaka.

Operator of the PNG LNG Project, ExxonMobil PNG Limited, handed over the improved basketball court in February to Juni Primary School.

In partnership with the Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG), ExxonMobil PNG initiated a youth empowerment program that incorporates both life-skills training and Olympic values awareness, using basketball as the medium.

The weapons included sixty homemade and ten factory made guns that were brought over as the amnesty period nears its deadline.

Two key warring tribal groups, from the Maia tribe in Emberali ward, took the lead and handed over their weapons in what was termed a ‘breakthrough for peace’ in the province.

Hela Governor Francis Potape, who was present with his provincial assembly members, said he will pursue the matter to ensure that a permanent police barracks is stationed at Komo to look after its gas area.

Chief Secretary Isaac Lupari said the LNG project is a major contributor to the country’s economy. 

The call-out was a result of reports of a dramatic decline in general law and order in the province in the past 12 months.

Continuous tribal fights involving high-powered weapons have threatened the LNG project, including the lives of people who work in different project sites in the province.

Lupari said if the project is affected, it will seriously damage the country in terms of employment, revenues and PNG’s reputation internationally.

They will join an advance team from the Highlands region, already on ground, to bring the total number of security personnel to 300.

The operation was approved by the Government based on the Security Risk Assessment Report from the Police Commissioner and will commence on Monday, January 9.

The report identified Hela as high risk due to heavy presence of unlicensed firearms, many of which are high-powered.

Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Welly, said: “Hela had a peaceful new year celebration, apart from a few drunkards seen on the road.”

The province is also waiting for the arrival of the deployed troops, as was announced by the government recently.

Welly understands that funds may have caused the delay, but he believes that they will come to his aid.

"We have already a mobile unit (MS 11) that was deployed and (is) assisting us doing normal policing,” Welly stated.

“They have so far helped us with some arrests.”

Hela Governor, Francis Potape, and Southern Highlands Governor, William Powi, said this on TVWAN’s ‘Nau’ Program last night.

Both Governors said as the duly elected leaders of their respective provinces, they could sign on behalf of the unidentified leaders given the looming deadline on December 31.

They said they will hold the unidentified landowners portion of the 4.27 per cent interest in a trust until the Government completes the vetting process.