By Quinton Alomp – EM TV, Port Moresby
A section of the Hiritano highway linking Central and Gulf provinces has been washed away by flood.
PMV’s travelling to and from Port Moresby are exchanging passengers at the section which has been washed away.
The culvert at Keve creek in Inawi village between Bereina and Malalaua government stations was completely dug up by flood, leaving a gap of about ten metres apart.
The road “disaster” happened in the early hours of Saturday, last week. Fortunately, no one was injured.
A route 600 PMV driver, Richard Larry, said they are not making profit and authorities must respond quickly.
Yesterday, a private contractor, TRB Contractors, had cleared the debris and made a temporary bypass for vehicles. However, if rain continues, this may become more disastrous.
But today, Works Secretary David Wereh assures the road users that the damaged section of the road will be restored immediately.
Mr Wereh said Dekenai Construction has been deployed to quickly rectify that situation to restore normalcy.
Kairuku Hiri MP, Peter Isoaimo said the road is a National Government highway and for 15 years has accommodated vehicles. Consideration has to be given in fixing some engineering foundation of the highway.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=MhPYLDMF-Ww%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
