Truck driver says highway needs immediate attention

By JUNIOR UKAHA
A DRIVER who has been travelling up and down the Highlands Highway for the past 10 years says sections of the road need immediate upgrading and repairs.
Chris Darius, from Kamkumung village in Lae, is a truck driver with Mapai Transport owned by businessman Jacob Luke.
He said the bad sections of the highway made his job stressful.
“In the past, road conditions were acceptable and travelling was okay,” Darius said. “But today the section of the highway from Morobe to Chimbu is in a bad condition.
“Before when I travel from Lae to Goroka, I used to leave at 4am and return the same day around 5pm.
“But nowadays, I leave around 4am and return around 11pm or midnight.
“This is the why we truck drivers feel tired and have to park the truck to sleep on the highway. It takes longer for us to travel the same distance.”
Darius was one of the 10 drivers who were given to the company’s new trucks.
Luke bought the trucks for K8 million from the manufacturer in the US.
Darius thanked his boss for giving him a new vehicle to use.
“It’s like giving me a new bush-knife to cut the bush. I can cut more bus with it and speed up the work. I am happy that Jacob had recognised my work and given me a new truck to drive,” he said.
The highway is the main connection to several major cities and is vital for the movement of people and goods between the populous Highlands region and the coast.