13 families left high and dry after Busu bursts banks

By JASON SOM KAUT
THIRTEEN families have lost their homes after the Busu river flooded its banks behind the Malahang industrial centre following heavy rain at its source in the mountainous Nawaeb district.
The rains washed away the families’ homes, belongings and their gardens —- the only source of their livelihood at the settlement situated past the Malahang industrial centre near the banks of the destructive Busu river.
Continuous rain saw the river divert its course after breaking through a makeshift partial gravel wall and headed straight for the houses.
They are currently living in make-shift tents, while some are being accommodated by settlers residing further away from the river bank.
Those affected include elderly people and children.
The river has over the years claimed many houses and a number of bridges and affected the movement of people from the Nawaeb area to Lae.
A few years ago, the river swept away the Busu bridge that is the only link for locals from the Nawaeb areas of Bukawac, Situm, Gobadik and Boana areas.
Markham settlers who reside on the Lae side of the bank, were fortunate in that they did not depend on a bridge to come to Lae but have lost virtually all their possessions including food gardens.
They are appealing for help from provincial authorities.
One of the victims John O said they managed to save a handful of their belongings but lost everything else including pigs and chickens to the flooded river.
“Mipela pilim hat tru na ino save wanem hap bai mipla kisim halpim,” he said.
Spokesman Lucas Betoie who was away in Wau during the destruction and returned two days ago, said the affected settlers were virtually helpless as they depended on their gardens for their sustenance.

 

Type In Your Name:

Type In Your E-mail:

Your Friend's E-mail:

Your Comments:

Receive copy: