Hela pushes forward with police housing project

Majority of the 100 police houses in Hela Province earmarked for this year have already been completed, and construction workers are working full swing to finish the remaining houses by December.

The initiative, which is being rolled out across several key locations in the province, is part of a broader strategy to bolster law and order and create a safer environment for the people.

The new houses are being built at strategic locations, including the Enopi and Pai police barracks in Tari, as well as in Koroba [Koroba-Lake Kopiago district], Komo and Wabia [Komo-Hulia district], and Magarima Station [Magarima district].

Hela Governor Philip Undialu said they have set a goal to construct 500 police houses across Hela Province, meaning to build 100 homes each year.

"This will accommodate the provincial police force approved by the Department of Personnel Management, which recognized the need for 535 constables since Hela became a province in 2012.” He said.

Governor Undialu stressed that providing proper accommodation for police officers is about more than comfort. It is critical for effective policing and community stability.

“Law and order challenges have long been a barrier to Hela’s development and after the creation of new police positions, we recognized that rapid recruitment alone wasn’t feasible without first providing comprehensive support and facilities for our officers and their families,” he said.

Governor Undialu said, when police have access to safe, modern housing, they are more motivated, feel valued, and are better equipped to serve and protect.”

Beyond housing, the provincial government is working alongside partners such as ExxonMobil, KPHL, MRDC, and the Oil Search Foundation, to strengthen infrastructure for law enforcement.

This includes building new police stations and cell blocks, and ensuring officers have the necessary vehicles, uniforms, and logistical support needed to enhance operations.

Governor Undialu highlighted that improving law and order is vital for unlocking Hela’s full potential.

"A secure environment means children can focus on their studies, public servants can deliver essential services, and local people can invest in agriculture and small-to-medium-sized enterprises," he emphasized.

The Governor further stated that with sustained support and collaboration at all levels, the province is taking significant steps to create a more secure future and lay the groundwork for long-term development.

As the police housing project nears its first key milestone, optimism is growing that better-resourced law enforcement will be a catalyst for positive change throughout Hela.