by Jack Lapauve Jr, EMTV – Port Moresby
Currently, the country’s only nickel-cobalt mine developer, Ramu NiCo Limited, is hit hard as a result of damages to road and bridges along the Madang-Ramu highway.
Company Management says since the disaster, purchase of diesel fuel supplies from Lae, including machinery parts and other supplies, is insufficient.
The Ramu NiCo Mine management is concerned that work on the bridges should begin soon.
While this is likely to continue as the government, and responsible agencies, are waiting for the flooding rivers to subside, paving way for the road and bridge reconstruction. Ramu NiCo and other business houses, including the Madang residents and travelling public will face serious price hikes in goods and services.
Similar issues were raised by Usino Bundi MP, Anthon Yagama, for the quick restoration of infrastructures damaged by floods.
Meanwhile Works Minister, Francis Awesa, assured the people of Usino-Bundi and Madang last week that the damaged roads and bridges connecting Madang to Lae, and the highlands region, are priority matters for the government to attend to immediately, as funding are made available.
Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, also visited the disaster hit areas in the Usino-Bundi and made a commitment of K1 million for relief supplies, before a crowd at Aumia village.
