Army eyed for relief job

 CABINET has approved that the army be sent to Kainantu in Eastern Highlands because of the destruction caused by severe flooding and landslides, Works Minister Francis Awesa says.

The current bad weather experienced in the country had caused havoc in most of the highlands provinces.

It prompted Anglimp-South Waghi MP Komun Joe Koim to question Awesa on the quality of work by contractors on roads and bridges.

Koim requested the Works Department to assist the people affected by flooding and landslides.

Awesa said an investigation on performance of contractors and how variations were done would be carried out because the destruction and damage caused this week were largely due to poor work by contractors. 

“I sympathise with the people who are affected by this week’s destruction to properties and food gardens.

“I assure the people that we will be assisting them soon.”

He said variations had become a big industry and he would be clamping down on it.

“We will be finding money to address this problem and fix it,” he said.

He plans to talk to the Finance and Treasury Departments to release funds for the Highlands Highway maintenance.