Bridge brings joy, relief

 TWO months after opening the Demakwa Bridge, Morobe Mining Joint Ventures (MMJV), through its Wafi-Golpu project, has opened a second bridge near Gingen village.

It was a red-clay welcome as traditional singsing filled the air when the delegation from MMJV, district and local level governments, contractors and landowner representatives arrived for the ceremony on Saturday, June 29.

Landowner representatives Gelam Lautu from Yanta, Yaing Akwila from Hengambu and Yawising Anunga and Chester Inoa from Babuaf had one message – working together was the way ahead.

“The company has brought this service to our doorstep so we thank MMJV for this as we won’t be stranded anymore when the river floods,” Lautu said. 

“We must work together to see more benefits.”

Mumeng LLG president Mathias Philip said MMJV was there to stay and people had to embrace the project and take part in any business or social programmes. 

Philip called for cooperation and consultation among parties.

MMJV general manager sustainability and external relations David Wissink said the opening of the  bridge marked a strong partnership between the company, government and local people. 

The 45m Bailey Bridge that took three months to complete was opened by Wissink and landowner representatives, drawing cheers from locals as guests and vehicles crossed the bridge.