Mayor assures Lae residents he’ll fix flooded roads

By JUNIOR UKAHA
LAE Mayor Koim Trilu Leahy has assured city residents that clogged-up drains and flooded roads will be cleared up.
He gave this assurance yesterday after residents complained about state of some roads after recent heavy rain.
Residents raised concerns that certain road sections were flooded and made driving difficult.
“Let me assure city residents that this issue will be looked at as soon as possible,” Leahy said.
“I have advised the council’s technical engineering division to look at fixing the drainage and deteriorating suburb roads.
“K10 million has been approved and budgeted for roads and drainage for this year.
“The money came from the internal revenue.
“Directions have been given and it is now in the hands of the acting city manager, Robin Calistus, to ensure the works are implemented.”
Leahy said every year, Lae experienced heavy rains during certain months so funds were budgeted to cater for emergency clean-up.
He said some problems were created by residents who disposed wastes into the drainage system.
“I appeal to residents to take ownership of the city’s cleanliness and beautification,” he said.
“Don’t expect the council to come and fix problems you deliberately created.”
Affected were Butibam Road near Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium, Butibam Road at Hunter, Cassowary Road, Coronation Drive near Lae Central Police Station and Aircorps Road near Main Market.
Lae sits at the outlet of three big rivers – the Busu, Bumbu and Markham.