H’way reopens

 THE Highlands Highway was re-opened yesterday after it was closed for one week because of a landslide in Kerogi, Chimbu.

Minister for Works and Implementation Francis Awesa and Works acting Secretary David Wereh yesterday announced that road was re-opened at noon.

A statement said landowners, contractors, police, soldiers, Simbu provincial government and Works engineers “worked tirelessly to have the road fixed”.

Work began last Thursday at Waigar village where the landslide moved sections of the road downhill.

Wereh said river gravel was used to fill the gaps created by the landslide. 

A further 300mm thick layer of limestone was compacted on the top.

He also said the block culverts were replaced to allow the water from the river to flow through. 

Works engineers are on site to monitor the situation, the statement said.

Wereh acknowledged the joined effort of local contractors, police, ExxonMobil, landowners and provincial government to have the road fixed.