Villagers get new footbridge

MORE than 5000 people living near the Lai River in the Mendi-Munhiu district of Southern Highlands have been provided a new iron footbridge costing more than K250,000.
The money came from the District Development Authority under the chairmanship of MP De Kewanu (pictured).
The bridge will also be used by the people of Ne in the Nembi Pleatau local level government of the Nipa-Kutubu district.
Maip villager Joe Mare said the bridge was being used by the people from Togora, Kip, Sumbi and Ne.
He said Lai Valley High School, Kip Primary School, Porgera Community School, Kip sub-health center, Kip Elementary School, United church mission station at Kip, Sumbi aidpost, Gut Nius Luheran mission at Sumbi and neighboring villages would all benefit from the new bridge.
He said they used to build a cane bridge across the river at Wongda village to cross it. The cane bridge was not safe and had collapsed when too many people crossed carrying heavy loads.
“We are happy that at last, we have a leader who see our needs and come to our rescue with a good bridge which will last us for a very long time,” he said.
The new bridge was completed last week.