Court order stalls work on overpass

 By TONY PALME KIP

WORK on the K2 million overhead footbridge at Hohola, Port Moresby, has stopped because of a court injunction, NCD Governor Powes Parkop says.

Parkop told The National yesterday that a resident obtained a court order to stop the construction which started last year.

The structure of the bridge, when completed, could encrouch the resident’s property.

Parkop said the delay was costing the National Capital District Commission a lot of money.

“We are in the mediation stages as directed by the court,” Parkop said.

“We have made offers to the resident and are awaiting his reply.

“The longer the delay, the more cost it (footbridge) incurs.

“We respect the court’s prerogative and hope the issue is resolved soon so work can be completed.

“Our lawyers are doing their best to resolve this issue. It’s taking a while but we are also concerned about the public who could use this bridge.” 

The footbridge is being constructed by Phoenix Builders.

The footbridge at Koki was opened last year while the one at Waigani Drive linking City Hall and Vision City is under construction and expected to be completed in April.