Flooding along the Markham continues to threaten crucial road sections of the Highlands Highway near Zumim.
Over the past six days, works teams have been working to control the flow of the flooded Mangian river near Mutzing.
The river runs parallel to the main highway. 30 years of sedimentation from the headwaters has caused the river bed to rise by half a meter above ground level.
What is become worrying for Works Department engineers is that the long term flooding could be devastating for the roads and the economy in general.
The Works Department admits it does not have adequate funds for the rehabilitation that is needed for important road sections built 40 years ago.
Along the Lae-to-Bulolo stretch of the highway that branches off from the main Highlands Highway, the deterioration continues.
Whole road sections have collapsed leaving gaping holes in the road.
The Works Department says they have sought funding assistance from the National Roads Authority.
