Roads need upgrade: MP

 THE Works Department and the Government need to urgently allocate routine maintenance funds for all national roads.

Maprik MP John Simon made the call in light of the Sepik Highway past Maprik and to Dreikikier and Nuku in West Sepik falling apart.

Citing the recent Highlands Highway as an example, Simon said: “If we do not allocate quick maintenance funds now, I am afraid you will spend millions as after a long drought and now with regular rain the side drains and others are blocked and rain water is directly damaging the road.”

Simon said there was a situation in Maprik where less than 20km from the town on the main road next to Nibrim Bridge and Jikimumbu Mountain, the drainage was blocked and rain waters were washing the basement, which was holding the bridge, away.

“I reported it to our Works team in the district and the response I received was no funding.”

Simon said the next best option for him was to go there and with the local youths from the area and fix the drainage and a few wire baskets which would cost the district less than K50,000.