Hela Province prepares for the groundbreaking of Hela Heritage Hotel

Next Friday, October 17th, will mark the official groundbreaking ceremony of the Hela Heritage Hotel, a development braced to ignite tourism, empower small and medium enterprises [SMEs], and boost agricultural activities across Hela Province.

Governor Philip Undialu confirmed the date, describing the project as a joint venture between the Mineral Resources Development Corporation [MRDC] and the Hela Provincial Government, facilitated through Hela Investments Ltd.

The construction of the Hela Heritage Hotel will be spearheaded by China Rail Construction Engineering Group, a construction company with a proven track record in the province. Having successfully delivered Hela 1 and Hela 2, and with Hela 3 in progress, the company’s involvement adds credibility and momentum to the new project.

Construction is slated to begin in November. Governor Undialu emphasized MRDC’s firm commitment to supporting SMEs through the Tourism Promotion Authority, citing Hela’s untapped tourism potential, from its dramatic landscapes to its rich cultural heritage.

“Hela will never be the same again,” he declared, emphasizing the symbolic significance of MRDC’s new office space in the Hela 2 Building, which will officially open on the same day as the hotel’s groundbreaking.

He urged his people to embrace peace and development and do away with illegal firearms, and end tribal conflicts. He acknowledged the challenges posed by negative perceptions on social media but noted that both foreign and domestic investors continue to show interest in the province.

“Hela is only 12 years old. Others have had 50 years. As we move into the next 50, Hela must stand united for real change,” he said, calling for a collective shift in mindset to welcome progress.

The announcement follows MRDC Managing Director Augustine Mano’s earlier statement during Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence celebrations in Tari, where he unveiled the partnership with the provincial government.

Mano reaffirmed MRDC’s leadership role in restoring investor confidence, stating, “Let other investors come later, MRDC will be the first to occupy the Hela 2 Building.”

He stressed that MRDC’s physical presence in Hela is more than symbolic; it’s a deliberate move to catalyze comprehensive investment and development. “Once our office is established, others will follow. But for that to happen, the people of Hela must embrace change,” Mano said.

MRDC’s long-term vision centers on tourism as a driver of economic transformation. By investing in infrastructure and supporting tourism-related initiatives, the corporation aims to create sustainable pathways for growth that benefit local communities and entrepreneurs alike.