Village needs help against erosion

A SMALL village at the Markham River Bridge in Morobe is being affected by strong river currents.
The river has changed its course in October and November due to an earlier construction of a river barrier 600 meters further up the river.
The barrier was constructed to protect the village and the Markham Bridge from heavy erosion of river banks, but due to buildup of sediments and sandbanks on the opposite side of the barrier construction site, the river has diverted all its currents towards the small village of about 150 people.
In October and November, two houses were washed away including five gardens and coconut and banana trees.
Every minute, the river is eroding the banks while villagers here are watching helplessly.
More houses, gardens and food crops remain vulnerable because nothing will stop the strong currents.
Three families are without homes and about 50 people have lost their staple food crops this Christmas.
About five more houses are on the brink of collapse as the river currents continue to drive 20 to 30 meters inland.
Immediate action to divert the full river current and reclaim the lost land is needed to stop the river from causing more disaster.
Wampar ward 5 local level government councillor Levi Soko and community leader Bernard Bobby are appealing to the Morobe disaster office, the Morobe government and the company concerned to immediately step to redirect the river current in the next few days before Christmas and New Year.

Peter Kopa