Nawaeb river causing chaos

THE continuous heavy rains in parts of Nawaeb in Morobe has affected economic activities and delivery of government services in the area.
The rain caused the Situm River to flood affecting the flow of traffic and damaging the Wara Market.
The river separates ward 12 and 13 in the Labuta local level government and is part of the Lae-Finschhafen Highway.
Labuta president Tups Waho said the river had no bridge and had caused a lot of problems for commuters.
“This area is a disaster area because it has affected the usual flow of economic activities and transport services,” Waho said.
“We need to work with the Nawaeb district authority and provincial disaster office to look for solutions.”
Morobe disaster director Charlie Masange said a team had already visited the site to inspect the damage.
“Our priority is to make the river accessible to vehicles and PMVs,” he said.
“Currently there is the measles-rubella and polio campaign going on and vehicles need to be able to travel through the river.
“It is up to the provincial works department to come up with a solution because they are the technical people.”
Nawaeb MP Kennedy Wenge said the Situm River was a priority for the Lae-Finschhafen Highway and there would be efforts to ensure the river was accessible.