Chimbu’s Gembogl seeking relief

By HANNAH NERO
THE recent disaster in Gembogl has left locals devastated, “basically what little services we get have ceased with impassable roads,” says a community member.
Toppy Sundu, a local bulb onion farmer in Mitnande local level government (LLG) area of Gembogl in Chimbu, told The National:
“Currently roads are impassable for vehicles to transport our bulb onions and other vegetables to sell in town as well and power lines are damaged by landslips.”
He claims Mt Wilhelm Secondary School is on the brink of closing down, families are suffering from hunger and drinking-water is contaminated. A small business owner, Josepha Bak, from Kombrume, Gembogl said: “I run a small trade store in this village, but now I am unable to replenish new stock and my trade store is forced to shut down.
“In my area, affected schools are; Mt Wilhelm Secondary, Maina
Vocational, Denglaku, Pombomer, Gembogl, Womatne, Goro and Bongugl primary.
More than 15 other elementary schools also in the area and the Gembogl health centre.
Toppy said: “We have one main road linking Kundiawa to Gembogl, four sections of this road is now blocked off by landslides, Kangiri bridge, Bendam and Kair sections of this road in Mitnande LLG and Kurbamabuno near
Kundiawa in the Waiye LLG of Gembogl have been completely blocked off for vehicles to travel.
“Heavy rains in these parts have not stopped and we are on alert and expect more landslips and floods.
“Support has not reached us yet,” he said.