Heavy rain destroys bridges, dam

 By HELEN TARAWA

HEAVY rain in Popondetta, Northern, has resulted in two bridges washed away and the dam for the water supply damaged, leaving the township without water.

Provincial administrator Sem Vegogo confirmed that heavy rain on Wednesday night washed away the Girua and Haijo bridges along the Oro Bay-Popondetta Highway.

He said while construction was underway on the Australian Government-funded bridge for Girua, the Bailey bridge was destroyed, cutting off all services from the airport and Oro Bay wharf to Popondetta.

He said the Eiwo Bridge off the Kokoda Highway was also washed away and there were reports of damage to some culverts.

Vegogo said he held meetings with the business houses and landowners to inform them of the situation.

“It will take about eight days to restore water supply for the town and work on the wet crossing will commence,” he said.

“Due to continuous rain, work on the wet crossing was put off to today and we anticipate the Oro Bay access to be reopened by then.”

Vegogo said his office was assessing the situation and expected more reports to come in from the coastal communities on the amount of damage to villages and food gardens.

“I had meetings with the business houses and the landowners to explain to them the situation so we have a common understanding.

“The situation is unfortunate with the start of the school year. We are anticipating that the road will open today,” he said.