Landslide blocks road, affect schools

By PETER WARI
CONTINUOUS torrential rain in the past month caused a landslide which blocked off a road in the Kagua-Erave district of Southern Highlands.
The provincial government and the Department of Works have been notified of the disaster which affected more than 32,000 people living in 24 wards.
It has also affected students attending 15 primary schools and the new Aiya Robesi High School.
John Yano, the high school board chairman, told The National that the landslide occurred at Ibia village after continuous heavy rainfall over the past two weeks.
People living near the area have moved to nearby villages.
The Aiya local level government shared borders with Imbonggu and both use that road to access basic services.
“The landslide blocked the only route for students to attend classes, schools to get stationery supplies and ration for the high school,” he said.
“People involved in small and medium enterprise activities are greatly affected.
“Others need to travel to Mendi town or the Mendi Provincial Hospital during the Coronavirus pandemic.”
He has advised provincial administrator Jerry David of what happened and urged him to provide an excavator to clear the debris.
Provincial works manager Kone Kepa who is from the area is aware of the situation.
Ibia ward two councillor Philip Kuma said fortunately no one was injured.
David said he would visit the site and send an excavator to clear the debris.