Road remain unfixed despite govt promises

The Bulolo Highway continues to deteriorate despite promises by the Government to have it fixed, says Farmers’ and Settlers’ Association president Wilson Thompson.
He said coffee growers and buyers and small businesses operating in Huon-Gulf, Bulolo and Menyamya were being affected.
The nightmare on this horror road begins at the 9-Mile turnoff along the Highlands Highway outside Lae and continues to Bulolo.
“We understand that Minister for Works Michael Nali and a technical team flew into the area in 2017,” Thompson said.
“A full maintenance as was promised. We are echoing the issue of maintenance raised by business communities and the people of three electorates, who are enduring difficult times and expensive costs caused by rivers creating craters, potholes and washing away culverts.”
Thompson said many road users were public servants. Institutions affected included Wau Small Mining School, Bulolo Technical School, Bulolo Forestry College, and primary and high schools.
National Housing Corporation, PNG Power Ltd, Mineral Resources Authority and mining exploration companies are also feeling the pinch. “The road has deteriorated, with the worst from Gabensis-Bulolo-Wau-Biaru and Watut-Aseki-Menyamya,” Thompson said.
“Yet, coffee, gold, honey and fresh vegetables are coming out from smallholders.
“Established business like PNG Forest Products, Zenag Chicken, Mainland Holdings, Hidden Valley Mining, NKW Holdings, Vitis, Pine Lodge, Jabanardi and small store owners contribute over K1 billion to the Government coffers every year.