Hela Unity Market

Hela Unity Market, in the provincial capital, will unite the province's people.

“I acknowledge [past] leaders like Anderson Agiru and others who charted the pathway for younger leaders like me and Governor [Philip] Undialu to arise and contribute towards development in the province and district,” Prime Minister and Tari-Pori MP James Marape speaking at the opening of the new Tari Food Market on Friday.

“Under my watch, Tari-Pori District has grown gradually, and most basic services are being provided or enabled through district, provincial, or national government funding or via partnership with various partners.”  

The new Hela Unity Market, built at K10 million, offers a state-of-the-art facility for selling fresh produce, cooked food, and traditional crafts. In this first phase, local vendors have a platform to showcase a variety of fruits, vegetables, and meals, providing buyers with a wide range of choices. Future phases will introduce areas for livestock sales and a freezer facility to store and preserve animal products.

Prime Minister Marape emphasised the broader economic opportunities that the market creates for local farmers, particularly given the province’s resource-rich environment and its potential to supply major centers like Port Moresby and Lae.

He further urged the people to embrace peace, noting the development achieved in the region during a period of unity:

“Put an end to fighting and live more positive lives to sustain yourselves. I am happy that the last two years there has been no fighting, which has resulted in more development taking place here. Your government will continue to do good things for you if you maintain peace in the community,” Prime Minister Marape told the gathering at the new Hela Unity Market opening.