By Eric Haurupma, EMTV News – Port Moresby
Construction work of the proposed Gerehu to 9 mile road was halted today by residents of Tasion Barracks.
They claimed the contractors failed to address their safety and health concerns.
Residents say they are at risk of fallen power lines, noise pollution and diseases caused by bad sewerage and dust.
This morning residents prevented the construction work road by placing drums along the Tasion Barracks road.
Company vehicles of developer, Chinese Habour Engineering, were turned away and construction workers have been prevented from working.
According to the residents who have formed a committee, the contractors have allegedly caused severe environmental damages that comes with life threatening risks and is a health hazard.
They claim that residents living close to the road are at risk of fallen power lines, damage to telecommunication cables, and broken sewerage pipes diffusing, dusts and noise pollution from heavy construction vehicles.
In 2014, 46 police personnel on behalf of their families submitted a petition containing all their demands to the contractor.
One of their demands is to relocate the barracks some kilometers away from the road.
However, to date nothing has been done.
NCD Metropolitan Superintendent, Benjamin Turi, who was present at the scene said the developer and contractor are aware of that and will look into rectifying this matter.
Meanwhile, the road will remain closed for an indefinite period until the matter is resolved.
