PMV operators build bypass bridge

PMV business owners and drivers placing stones into wire baskets to make a makeshift bridge at the Pamunjing River in East Sepik, last Wednesday, to enable PMVs to cross. – Picture courtesy of SONJA HRIEFI

PUBLIC motor vehicle owners and drivers crossing the Pamunjing River in Handra to and from Wewak in Numbo local level government, East Sepik, built a makeshift crossing, last week.
Twins PMV Service driver Augustine Firomo said when the river flooded, it affected travel and businesses, with drivers and passengers having to wait until the water level went down before crossing.
Firomo said the old bridge had been washed away and the new one was still under construction which was taking too long to complete.
“We usually pack stones in the river before crossing every time and last Wednesday, we (PMV owners) contributed and bought six wire baskets of stones for K100 each,” he said.
“We took the baskets to the river and packed stones to help us cross the river during our normal daily operations.
“But the wire baskets were not (condusive) and started (falling apart) the next day.”
He said the new bridge was still under construction but work had stopped with reasons unknown and they did not know when it would be completed.
Firomo said the temporary stone bridge in the river created by the locals was not safe for use, however, they still did wet crossing.
“If we stop providing PMV services, the people would suffer so we continue providing that service with all its risks to help our people,” he said.