Bridge collapses, links cut off

By HEZRON KISING
MOVEMENT along Madang’s North Coast road between Madang town, Sumkar and Bogia has been affected after a bridge collapsed on Sunday when a truck loaded with logs was crossing it.
Murukanam Bridge in Sumkar, Madang, is a 32-metre long structure that can only bear a maximum load of 40 tonnes, according to Madang works manager Henry Rakausi.
Rakausi confirmed that the bridge collapsed around noon on Sunday after a truck belonging to a logging company and loaded with logs crossed it.
He said in such instances companies could be held responsible for damage to State property.
“The logging company has paid compensation to local landowners in the area and have constructed a bypass (excess road) across the river but only for light vehicles to use and heavy vehicles such as trucks will cross but it depends on the river (water) level,” he said.
Rakausi said the bridge was located about 80km (kilometres) outside Madang town.
The Madang Works team were assessing the situation and repair work was expected to start this week.
“The cost of the damages are still unknown until a proper scope of work is done,” Rakausi said.
“Many people are affected. I am appealing to the locals in the communities around the area to understand the situation at hand and not to take advantage of it and harass the travelling public but cooperate with us (Works) so we could work together and address this problem.
“We want cooperation from everyone until this bridge is fixed.”