K500,000 for road maintenance

PEOPLE from the Numbo local level government in East Sepik will soon be able to access basic services such as banking, court and schools among others at the Yangoru Station instead of travelling out of Yangoru-Saussia.
This was according to MP Richard Maru who added that the district has allocated K500,000 to reopen the Yangoru-Numbo Road.
This is a provincial road previously known as the Tangori-Koboibus Road which would help provide accessibility for cocoa farmers in the district.
Maru said provincial governments over the years have failed to maintain this important economic road.
The district had to cut some of its programmes this year and is spending K1 million on upgrading provincial roads and bridge, he said.
Speaking at Yangoru on Friday, Maru said: “The district has a headquarters, we need people to come to Yangoru, which is cheaper than going down to the provincial headquarters to access services.
“Yangoru has a fully-fledged banking service, district school of excellence, court and police is present.
“It’s easier for people to have access to these services here instead of going all the way down to Wewak.
“That is why Yangoru-Saussia has cut other programmes this year. We are spending K1 million on provincial roads and bridges.
“We need to connect Numbo so we are starting work on the road, excavating and clearing.
“This is a provincial road (Yangoru- Numbo) road.
“It should be maintained by the East Sepik government.
“We can’t keep waiting, so Yangoru-Saussia has spent K500,000 from its DSIP (district services improvement programme) to open up this important link ourselves.
“Bulk of cocoa in this province is grown in East and West Yangoru along this road corridor.
“Our district produces the biggest volume in East Sepik.
“Its export volume is K17 million.
“Bulk of farmers live along this road.
“We waited more than 15 years.
“Yangoru-Saussi spending money on provincial roads is an injustice. I have 10 villages in the district, there is no road.
“I’m not happy because I’m forced to fund this.
“Provincial roads not being maintained are a recurring problem in this province.
“Same for a provincial bridge we just launched (on Friday) to be built at a cost of K300,000.”
During Maru’s visit to the district on Thursday, he also opened a K200,000 classroom at the Numindogum Elementary School in Numbo.