Hela backs Police with 50 homes, 10 vehicles
50 new police houses, Hela Police Command Centre, and 10 police vehicles are ready to be officially handed over this month by the Hela Provincial Government to Police under the theme “Make Hela Safe Again.”
Hela Governor Philip Undialu confirmed this and preparations are underway for this event.
Undialu stated that as a young and developing province, Hela continues to face challenges in building institutional and law enforcement capacity, however, major progress is being made.
Over 100 new police personnel have been posted to Hela this year, marking a significant boost in manpower.
“I am grateful that incumbent PPC Michael Welly, the new MS09 Commander Mairi Arau, and all their men and women in uniform are now stepping up to their call of duty. I see police presence everywhere in Hela now like never before," he said.
“We intend to build 500 police houses, with the first 100 to be completed this year."
He also commended the judicial sector for their proactive efforts in restoring the rule of law across the province.
“I am also grateful to announce that our Resident Judge and three Magistrates are now actively clearing all pending cases," he said.
"I also warmly welcome the Officers from the Public Solicitor and Public Prosecutor to Hela Province. We are allocating them offices to enable them to fully operate here."
The province continues to enforce a total beer ban, which has resulted in a visible decline in alcohol-related violence.
Hela now has an expatriate judge, three magistrates, and the Hawa Correctional Institution [CIS] is being upgraded from a holding capacity of 50 to 150 inmates.
More than 100 police houses are under construction across the province, with the first 50 houses at Pai and Enopi Barracks in Tari set to be handed over before the end of November 2025, along with 10 new police vehicles.
The former 20-Men Lodge in Tari has been renovated and transformed into the new Hela Police Command Centre, which will serve as the central hub for coordination, communication, and command of law enforcement operations across the province.
With these major developments, governor Undialu affirmed that Hela is now positioned for lasting positive change.
“With all this happening, Hela is positioned to change for the better. I welcome all visitors, investors, and qualified and experienced doctors, teachers, police officers, and other professionals to come and work in Hela, we will look after you well,” the governor said.
“Attractive incentives are being provided for doctors. Police officers will be accommodated in brand-new houses, fully fitted with brown and white goods, and powered by solar systems so they will not have to pay electricity bills.
We are also upgrading our schools in a big way, while all our major roads are being sealed. Hela will soon enjoy one of the most reliable and affordable electricity supplies in Papua New Guinea, with 5MW turbines installed at Hides 4.”
“Law and order in Hela is being restored. All tribal fights being resolved, and arrest rates have increased. Since the beer ban, there has been no alcohol-related violence,” he said.
“I keep reminding our people nobody will change Hela for us. It is we, the people of Hela, who must change. Change must begin with each individual, within our families, our clans, and our communities. Together, we will make Hela safe again.”