Call for action on roadwork

By Aileen Kwaragu
THE Government has constantly talked about repairing and upgrading roads and now, about rebuilding the Hiritano and Magi highways but the people of Abau, in Central, are running out of patience.
They want immediate action to fix the worsening state of the roads in their district and their MP Sir Puka Temu has promised to look into it.
Sir Puka, also the Minister of Bougainville Affairs, said he was aware of the deteriorating roads and assured the people that he was doing his best to sort the issue.
He said the Magi Highway needed immediate attention as well, especially from Imila Bridge to Amao, due to recent heavy rain.
“I have managed to secure with the Department of Works so there will be an emergency repair programme from Imila Bridge to Ganai,” he said.
Works secretary David Wereh said there was no changes as road conditions continued to worsen due to a lack of funding.
Wereh said the plan was connected to PNG road investment policy to reduce backlog challenges on roads and highways.
“The road condition in Abau is not an exception and we are doing our best to respond to those emergencies, but within the limit of tight funding ceilings,” he said.
“We are organising some quick repair work with the local contractors to attend to the people’s concerns.”
Wereh said the Government had its plans for the two highways and work would start this year.
“The long-term plan is to rebuild Magi and Hiritano highways to a standard two-lane highway in the next 10 years commencing this year,” he said.
Cylas Steven, a community leader of the Aroma local level government, told The National that the district had been lacking services from their leaders for a long time.