District opens K1.2m bridge

By JUNIOR UKAHA
HUNDREDS of people living in Nawaeb, Morobe, can now use a permanent bridge to cross the Kusip River.
The bridge, which cost K1.2 million to build, was jointly funded by the villagers, district and the Department of Works.
It was opened by local MP Gisuwat Siniwin and Morobe Governor Kelly Naru yesterday.
The opening coincided with the handing over of two new vehicles to the Nukna Cooperative Society in the Wain-Erap local level government.
“It took us almost two years to build this bridge,” Siniwin said.
“During construction, the river flooded and damaged the foundation.
“So we had to seek another K250,000 from the district to rebuild it.
“This bridge was built by the locals themselves with technical assistance by the engineers from the Department of Works.
“About 6000 to 7000 people from the Gain-Kusip will benefit from this bridge. People from Wards 10, 11 and 16 will benefit from this bridge.”
Siniwin, on behalf of the Gain-Kusip people, thanked Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, Works Ministers Francis Awesa, National Planning Minister Charles Abel and Finance Minister James Marape for allocating funds to build the bridge.
Kasin villager Bangere Eliro thanked Siniwin, the district development authority and the Department of Works for providing the bridge for the people.
Eliro said the locals had started to build the bridge on their own and were assisted by Siniwin when he came into power.
“We thank the Government for seeing our need and helping us.”