Bridge of daily woes

 BUSINESS activities of the locals at Walium and those living near the recently-collapsed Miye bridge along the Madang-Lae Highway, Usino-Bundi district, are flourishing.

Vendors were making good money from stranded commuters and vehicle owners.

However, the collapsed bridge had severely affected commuters from Lae and the Highlands region to Madang and vice-versa. 

Likewise, it disrupted the operations of many business houses in Madang, who transport goods from Lae.

The Miye Bridge fell late last year and was washed away by the swollen Miye River last week.

The river had become impassable for all types of vehicles, forcing commuters to carry their goods across the river to continue with their journey.

One of those companies affected was RamuNiCo, whose mine site is about 50 minutes’ drive from the fallen bridge. 

The mine relied heavily on goods and services from Lae port, particularly diesel fuel to power the mine.

To ensure the speedy restoration of the bridge, Kurumbukari (KBK) Mine of RamuNiCo Management (MCC) Ltd assisted the Madang provincial works department (MWD) with 100 gibon baskets and an excavator support on Wednesday and other assistance to put up a temporary bridge.

“We had transported a 12-foot container to Miye Bridge today (Wednesday), which is to serve as temporary foundation for Miye Bridge. 

“We had provided everything they required and according to our building plan, we could complete all work today or tomorrow (Wednesday and Thursday),” Meng Deyong, executive deputy general manager of KBK Mine, said. 

Meng said their aim was to erect a temporary bridge by yesterday or later this week so the flow of goods and services could resume.

A local contractor was earlier engaged to fix the bridge.