WITNESS

This is the bridge outside Wewak that connects East and West Sepik. It’s a one-lane bridge but plays a pivotal role in the area.
The bridge crosses the Hawain River and boasts war history.
The river is located to the east of Banak and to the west of Boiken and Wewak crossing the west coastal road towards Boiken and Dagua and beyond. During World War Two, retreating Japanese troops followed the Hawain River southwards, inland to Maprik, abandoning their heavy equipment and guns along the river as they lightened their loads for the inland march.
Much of this equipment was still present until the 1970s but it is unclear if any still remains today.