Prime Minister and Member for Tari-Pori Hon. James Marape, has called on newly elected councillors in the district to lead with integrity, unity and accountability as Hela Province enters a new phase of grassroots leadership.
The Prime Minister addressed more than 80 councillors from the five council wards of the Tari-Pori District after convening the first Tari-Pori District Development Authority (DDA) meeting for 2026 with newly elected and incoming council presidents.
The formal badging ceremony and address were held at the Hulukumaya Building Conference Hall, in the presence of council presidents from Tari Urban, Tebi LLG, Pori LLG and Hayapuga LLG.
Prime Minister Marape commended the presidents and electoral officials for the successful and peaceful conduct of the 2025 Local-Level Government elections, describing the outcome as a positive step towards leadership stability and democratic governance in the district.
Among those present was Ms Susan Tumbaria, councillor for Kikita 1 Ward in the Tari Urban Local Level Government, who was recognised as the only woman councillor to secure a second term.
The Prime Minister acknowledged her re-election as a reflection of growing public confidence in ward-level leadership and service delivery.
Congratulating all councillors on their election, Prime Minister Marape urged them to take ownership of their communities, uphold peace, and exercise responsible leadership.
He informed councillors that district trust accounts are yet to be fully opened, but assured them that once funding becomes available, programmes would be financed accordingly.
Describing the councillor’s badge as a badge of honour, the Prime Minister warned that it must never be taken into gambling venues or misused in situations involving tribal fighting.
“This is the beginning of change in our place,” he said.
He noted that the council system in Hela is entering a new phase after nearly 15 years, marking the end of one leadership life cycle and the beginning of another.
The Prime Minister urged councillors to work together with unsuccessful election candidates, community leaders and fellow councillors, emphasising unity and inclusive leadership.
Those elected to second terms were encouraged to lead by example in their villages and wards.
Reflecting on governance since 1997, Prime Minister Marape said leadership structures had weakened over time and stressed that councillors must now treat their responsibilities as their number one priority.
He encouraged councillors to present proper activity reports, assuring them that the Government would support genuine and effective development initiatives.
For the first time, all councillors were able to meet at the Hulukumaya Building. The Prime Minister explained that the facility was constructed through government investments between 2012 and 2017, and again from 2017 to 2022, at a total cost exceeding K20 million.
Addressing resource development, Prime Minister Marape clarified that Tari town and the Pori areas are not direct landowners of the Hides gas project and therefore do not receive royalties.
However, he said indirect economic benefits must be pursued through business opportunities such as fuel stations, transport services and the supply of fresh produce.
He also announced that the Pori Road will be sealed, improving connectivity and economic access for the area.
On education, the Prime Minister stressed that no child in Tari-Pori should be turned away from school.
He instructed councillors to compile lists of school-aged children in their wards, return to their villages, and ensure that all children are enrolled and attending school.
Prime Minister Marape called on communities to take ownership of their future, unite their people and continue attending church for guidance and wisdom.
He said the district is now moving into “second gear” towards development, anchored on four key pillars:
• Culture
• Faith (lotu)
• Education
• Business
These pillars, he said, would guide Hela Province towards long-term stability and prosperity.
The Prime Minister urged leaders to respect traditional values, promote peace and unity, keep children in school, and encourage local business development to generate sustainable revenue.
He confirmed that Hulukumaya House will serve as the official venue for DDA and council meetings and reminded council presidents that meetings must be conducted strictly in accordance with the law.
He cautioned leaders that there is no free money, stressing the importance of discipline and accountability in the use of public funds.
Prime Minister Marape announced that the National Monitoring and Coordination Authority (NMCA) will be deployed to inspect projects and programmes in the Tari-Pori District, including road works and other infrastructure developments.
He said all public funding will be audited to ensure transparency and to confirm that money is used for its intended purpose.
“I am proud to see you all,” the Prime Minister said, congratulating the councillors once again.
He concluded by directing council presidents to convene regular meetings, with the next major district meeting scheduled for May or June, where leaders will collectively determine priority projects, funding allocations and ward-based programmes.