Prime Minister and Tari-Pori MP Hon. James Marape officially opened the new Tari Food Market on Friday, November 1, 2024,  in Tari, Hela Province. This significant milestone aims to boost local business activities and provide an empowering avenue for residents to generate income for themselves and their families.

The need for a well-established marketplace became increasingly urgent as the old market deteriorated, making it challenging for local farmers to showcase their produce effectively. Recognising this, Prime Minister Marape, in consultation with Hela Governor Hon. Philip Undialu and other local leaders, spearheaded the initiative for a new market. That vision became reality with the grand opening of the “Hela Unity Market,” a name symbolising community harmony and shared prosperity.

Upon his arrival at the new Tari Airport, Prime Minister Marape and his delegation were greeted by a vibrant crowd, including dancers in traditional Hela attire, celebrating this momentous occasion with joy and pride.

Addressing the assembled community, Prime Minister Marape paid tribute to past leaders of Hela and Southern Highlands, who laid the groundwork for future development under challenging circumstances.

He said, “Today, I acknowledge leaders of the past in this area like Anderson Agiru and others who charted the pathway for younger leaders like me and Governor Undialu to arise and contribute towards development in the province and district. Under my watch, Tari-Pori District has grown gradually, and most basic services are being provided or enabled through district, provincial, or national government funding or via partnership with various service providers from the business sector. And there is more to come.”

The new Hela Unity Market, built at a cost of K10 million, offers a state-of-the-art facility for selling fresh produce, cooked food, and traditional crafts. In this first phase, local vendors have a platform to showcase a variety of fruits, vegetables, and meals, providing buyers with a wide range of choices. Future phases will introduce areas for livestock sales and a freezer facility to store and preserve animal products.

Prime Minister Marape emphasised the broader economic opportunities that the market creates for local farmers, particularly given the province’s resource-rich environment and its potential to supply major centres like Port Moresby and Lae.

Reflecting on his own experience selling produce at the old Tari market with his mother to support his education, Marape encouraged the people of Tari and Hela to utilise the resources now available to them, empowering themselves through hard work and self-reliance.

“This new Hela Unity Market is the perfect avenue for you to capitalise on to sustain yourselves. Your district, provincial, and national government are here to support you where we can by providing the resources you need to succeed. You have BSP Bank, National Development Bank, Women’s Nationwide Microbank, and other facilities right here—no need to go to Port Moresby. It is up to you to make the difference.”

He further urged the people to embrace peace, noting the development achieved in the region during a period of unity: “Put an end to fighting and live more positive lives to sustain yourselves. I am happy that the last two years there has been no fighting, which has resulted in more development taking place here. Your government will continue to do good things for you if you maintain peace in the community,” Prime Minister Marape told the gathering at the new Hela Unity Market opening.

With today’s inauguration of the Hela Unity Market, Prime Minister Marape has reinforced his commitment to the people of Tari and Hela, promising continued development and support for those who seek to better their lives through hard work and cooperation.