Leader calls for proper sealing of Ialibu road

By YVONNE HAIP
THE Eastern Southern Highlands District Development Authority has called for the contractor responsible for sealing the Ialibu road to ensure the work it carries out is durable.
Authority interim chairman Samuel Kondoa called for all roads and feeder roads such as those leading to churches, educational institutions and the surrounding communities to be sealed.
He said if some roads were missed out, it would only show that the Works Department, the contractor, Ialibu town manager and those involved had not worked in consultation.
He said those parties should cooperate, review the scope of work and ensure that all roads were sealed so people benefited.
Kondoa urged the contractor to make a thorough bottom up plan using quality and high grade materials for the town roads sealing so they lasted longer.
He said road sealing today was often of low standard and deteriorated fast, often in less than 10 years.
He said roads sealing should be up to the standard set by Dillingham, which sealed the Highlands Highway, and which began eroding after 40 to 50 years.
With the elections nearing, Kondoa said the project should not be rushed for completion as it would only stain the contractor’s reputation.
The authority represents the people of Kagua, Erave, Ialibu, Pangia and Imbonggu.
It was formed to initiate and monitor developmental changes in these districts and act as a forum to address people’s views.
The recent Ialibu town roads sealing commitment by local MP and Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has been seen as a platform that will create greater change.