Undialu urges SHP leaders to provide leadership, calls on national government to fund alternate roads

Governor of Hela Province Philip Undialu, has called on leaders of Southern Highlands Province to take ownership of the ongoing issues along the Highlands Highway.

He expressed regret that communities from Semin and Nipa have resorted to blocking the highway in protest over the suspension of Wapu Sonk as Managing Director of Kumul Petroleum Holdings Ltd (KPHL). He clarified that this decision was made by the newly appointed KPHL Board, chaired by Garry Aopi.

Governor Undialu reminded the people of Semin, Nipa, and the wider community that Sonk has deep roots in Hela, having been educated there and maintaining strong friendships and networks with Hela leaders and youths.

“From the day the new board was appointed, Hela leaders and youths voiced their concerns. Only yesterday, prominent leaders such as Peterson Pipi and Larry Andagali also expressed their support for Mr. Sonk,” he said.

He stressed that it makes little sense to block the very people who are also supportive of Mr. Sonk.

“Although the Prime Minister is from Hela and Southern Highlands, some of his decisions have not always favoured us. But as leader of the country, he has the constitutional responsibility to appoint boards, including that of KPHL as Trustee Shareholder,” Governor Undialu explained.

He further noted that SHP Governor William Powi, Nipa Kutubu MP Dr. Billy Joseph, Mendi Munihu MP Raphael Tonpi, and Sonk himself are all fully aware of the position agreed upon by Hela and SHP leaders:

“We resolved to respect the Prime Minister’s decision and work with whichever board he appoints. What has followed since is an internal matter that provincial leaders have no control over.”

Governor Undialu appealed to the Prime Minister, the Minister for Works and Highways Solan Mirisim, and development partners to urgently fund the sealing of the Hiri–Lai road and the Margarima–Kandep road to ensure accessibility for Hela communities and the PNGLNG project.

“The Hela Provincial Government has already invested K20 million and completed the first 20km from Margarima to Yuhama. We are now ready to extend the road into Kandep so that our people and national projects are not unnecessarily disrupted,” he said.

On Mr. Sonk’s suspension, Governor Undialu urged people to act with responsibility and restraint:

“Mr. Sonk is a highly respected professional, known both locally and internationally. Any actions such as roadblocks, kidnappings, destruction or harassment in his name will only tarnish his reputation. He has not been terminated, but merely suspended to respond to allegations, a normal process that any MD, CEO, or department head may go through.”

He also reminded both provinces of their shared history and responsibility: “From 1997 to 2012, we endured difficult times. Since Hela became its own province, we have continued to grow together. Our late Governor Anderson Agiru envisioned Hela and Southern Highlands as sister provinces, moving forward in unity.

“We stood together in politics and in life. Although 100% of LNG comes from Hela, we share resource benefits on a 60:40 principle, while SHP reciprocates by returning 40% of Kutubu benefits to Hela.

“This is a testament to our sisterhood. Blocking roads, kidnappings, and criminal activities should not be our way. Let peace and unity prevail. Hela and Southern Highlands must rise and fall together, not turn against each other. Such moments are the true test of leadership, the Governor stated.”