Road construction underway

By REBECCA KUKU
CONSTRUCTION work on the new Mendi-Nipa Road has resumed without any disturbance, says Southern Highlands police commander Gideon Kauke.
A report was circulated on social media earlier this week that local leaders, Joseph Kobol and Pr Bernard Kaku, allegedly threatened contractor Covec.
Kauke denied the rumours, saying that work had already resumed on the road and that both Kobol and Kaku had not issued any threats against Covec.
“If they had, I would be the first one to be told. However, my office has not received any such reports.”
Covec stopped work on March 28 after the fake report started circulating on social media.
Kobol, who is involved in an election petition against Southern Highlands’ Governor William Powi, denied the allegations and said they were not aware of any such threats issued by them or their supporters.
“The project is a dream come true for our people and is the type of service we are fighting for. Why should we stop it?”
“The election petition case, EP 79, is before the courts and we will accept whatever decision that is handed down.”
Kobol appealed to leaders in Karinz and Lai Valley areas not to play politics with such important projects.
All youths and opportunists must not take advantage of the court case,” he said.
“Politicians will not put food on the table for you and your families.”