Leader wants proper laws to deal with logging companies

 THERE must be proper legislation to deal with logging companies that destroy the environment or infrastructure in areas they operate, a local level government president says.

Kapao LLG president Jackty Yatepo said that yesterday after machines belonging to a logging company operating in the Watut area allegedly destroyed part of the Bulolo-Menyamya Highway.

Yatepo said the road was the only link connecting the people of Watut, Menyamya and Kaintiba to Lae.

“When it rains, the road becomes impassible as the company’s machines cross the main road many times carrying logs,” he said. Yatepo, who is the provincial minister for health, said despite operating for many years in the area, the company had not built community infrastructure such as aidposts, schools and roads.

“We are concerned and want this company to maintain the road at its own cost and stop its machines from crossing the road unnecessarily,” he said.

“The Government must take up our concern and make policies to ensure logging companies operating in the country help the people in the area where they operate,” Yatepo said.