K80m for provincial HQ

 THE National Executive Council has approved more than K80 million to build the Hela administration building.

Acting Prime Minister Leo Dion said cabinet had approved the contract to Curtain Bros (PNG) Ltd for the construction of the two administration buildings and a commercial centre in Tari.

The NEC has directed its secretariat to advise the Governor-General to execute the contract after advice from the State Solicitor.

Dion said it was a priority project for the newly-established province.

“It is to be the provincial headquarters for the resource-rich province,” he said. 

“The buildings will be built in Tari, which is the capital of Hela and will accommodate the Governor’s office, the provincial administration, its public servants and other statutory bodies to carry out their task and responsibilities.

“This high impact project will also house some important offices that will assist in the operations of the PNG LNG projects,” he said.

Dion said the commercial centre building will be mainly used for business activities such as banking and postal services. 

It will also house other service providers.