THE NEW ERA KONE – ICONIC ELA BEACH GRAND OPENING

PORT MORESBY: Following the extensive redevelopment since last year, the National Government, together with National Capital District Commission and contractor China Harbor Engineering Company, is pleased to announce the grand opening of the new Era Kone (popularly known as Ela Beach).

ICONIC ELA BEACH, PORT MORESBY

With its enviable settings, scenery and location, the beach will serve as Port Moresby’s major destination for recreation, entertainment and pleasure, serving both city residents and international visitors.

Governor Parkop said: “This is a great achievement setting a bench mark for the city and our country. It represents our vision to transform our city. A city that we can be proud of and a city that will inspire the entire nation to lift and secure a greater future.”

“This is a place where families and everyone can come and enjoy the beach, so I am calling on everyone to take care and respect our beach. Make this place safe, clean and to show that we can be greater and take pride of our beach and not litter, spit or graffiti everywhere,” he further added.

Thoughtfully planned with ample outdoor space for recreation and relaxation, this new beach will have spectacular arenas containing three new basketball and volleyball sporting courts, a car park capacity of 400 spaces, and proposed spaces that will be a host to a new 2000 seat amphitheater, food courts and specialty shops including public toilets.

The beach also contains 70 totem poles as path lights, creating a magnificent night view of the beach which will surely put Port Moresby among the list of amazing beaches with recreational amenities.

The beach will have a scenic view of another landmark for Port Moresby and the APEC Haus, which will serve as the official meeting arena for the APEC Meetings in November.

Although the beach is now opened and handed over from China Harbor Engineering Company to NCDC, it is not completely opened for public use. The shoreline towards Koki will have continued land reclamation and further development from the Fish Market all the way around the Paga Hill Ring Road, with the construction of specialty shops, the amphitheater, and other amenities. 

NCD City Manager Bernard Kipit said; “Era Kone remains the only recreational reserve and the only difference is, this is a beach that is secured with safety rules and regulations, with proper management and not an open space or a market place.”

He welcomed city residents to enjoy the facilities and reminded everyone to look after the beach.

“Everyone must embrace these unique features and take responsibility to look after our beach so it can be sustained for the future generations.”

City Manager, Mr. Kipit further urged everyone to abstain from selling food items or marketing any type of products, spitting betel nut and damaging the beach facilities reminding everyone all offenders will be strictly dealt with.

Port Moresby has achieved yet another milestone event in 2018, with the beach opening and hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit. The general public are urged to take ownership and responsibility to keep the beach clean and of high standards.

The progress in development of Era Kone has surely transformed Port Moresby to a level suiting for an amazing Capital City.