The Star Mountain Plaza has officially opened the stage two of the Hilton Hotel project- the Hilton Port Moresby Residence, which is another milestone achievement for the resource project area landowners from Western and Southern Highlands provinces.
The Chairman of the Petroleum Resources Kutubu, Mr. John Kapi Natto when speaking at the official opening of the Hilton Residences and the launching of the stage three of the project on Thursday 01st February in Port Moresby, said the opening is a milestone for Star Mountain Plaza.
Mr. Kapi Natto when giving a brief on why they started off the project almost a decade ago, said the idea came about to make an investment for the landowners and also to contribute to the development of the country.
“When we under took this project eight years ago, not only was it our aspiration to deliver a world class facility, but to help the government to host the APEC meeting and leaders’ summit in PNG for the first time in 2018,” said Mr. Kapi Natto.
“It also marked the coming of age of the hospitality industry in PNG, the introduction of the Hilton Hotel brand to the market for the first time in our country.”
However, he said the road to the development of the Star Mountain Plaza at Hohola in Port Moresby was not an easy one with many criticisms and challenges faced, like the COVID- 19 pandemic. But he said they overcame the obstacles, which was a credit to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved.
He said the significant of the Star Mountain Plaza is that it is a long term investment that will someday look after the landowners and their generation whenever the natural resources run out.
“This investment will be a legacy for every one of us and our future beneficiaries who will be proud of it.”
The Chairman then went on the thank the people who contributed to the development and success of the Star Mountain Plaza so far, starting off with the Boards of the Mineral Resource Star Mountain, Mineral Resource Ok Tedi, Mineral Resources CMCA Holdings Limited and his own Petroleum Resources Kutubu.
He also thanked the National Government for the partnership, the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) for the support and the banking partners for the faith in providing the finance to ensure that the project is delivered.
Meanwhile, the new Hilton Port Moresby Residences was opened by Prime Minister James Marape by cutting the ribbon.