Landslip blocks Wau highway

By SAMPSON BONAI
A MASSIVE landslip triggered by heavy weekend rains swept through the Yangalimu area in Wau and Bulolo and cut off access to the mining camp at Hidden Valley.
The landslip blocked off part of the Wau and Bulolo section of the highway.
Locals said it was caused by alluvial mining activities atop the Yangalimu mountain just 500m from the highway.
Whenever it rained in the area, loose soil and rocks slipped down and landed right on the highway blocking traffic.
The Wau creek also bursts its banks and spilled mud and debris on the road and onto the nearby Donna compound and Ono settlement, blocking access to the seven Biangai and five Biaru villages and parts of Wau town.
The landslide debris was still blocking the access road at press time.
Travellers to Lae had to walk through the landslip-affected section of the highway to reach the other side for a connecting ride to Lae on PMV trucks.
Government vehicles have been stranded on both sides of the landslip and were waiting for the road to be cleared of the blockage.
Hauling trucks with supplies for Wau and the Hidden Valley gold projects also got stuck in the area.
Haulers were now looking at an alternative route to get all the supplies to the mining area.
They were also waiting for help from the government and Harmony Gold to clear the highway of the blockage.
 

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