Undialu reveals work has started on defence force base in Hela

WORK on the new PNG Defence Force forward operating base (FOB) in Hela began last week.
This comes after last month’s memorandum of agreement signing between the Hela government and the PNGDF in Port Moresby.
Hela Governor Philip Undialu said the choice for the province to have a FOB was strategic because of a number of reasons.
“First, the province hosts the multi-billion kina PNGLNG project,” he said.
“Project security is paramount as it contributes significantly to the nation and will continue for next 50- plus years.
“Secondly, we are located central to the border provinces like Gulf, Western, East and West Sepik.
“Furthermore, Hela and the neighbouring Highlands provinces have experienced disasters and a wave of lawlessness.
“It’s important we have the presence of the PNGDF as a deterrence.”
Undialu said his provincial government committed K300,000 for the FOB which would cater for 100 soldiers initially.
“In the long run, we will build the PNG Defence Force 3rd battalion to house over 1,000 soldiers,” he said.
The PNG Defence Force forward operating base was captured in the Millenium Term Development Plan 3 launched last year and endorsed by the Hela government.