Many ofthe lLeadersalongthe Highlands Highway, especially from Kagol to Tari in Hela province, see accidents alongthe road daily.
Numerous people are killed, injured or vehicles and properties destroyed causing hindrances to small businesses.
The lLeadershave identiflied three major issues that cause most ofthese problems, and more than often, result in unnecessary deaths.
According to Nipa Kutubu District Administrator, Robin Pip, on behalf ofthe lLeadersthe first andthe major reason beingthe business of smuggling alcohol intothe province of Southern Highlands (currently under a liquor ban) and Hela Province.
Many accidents includingthe six deaths along Ialibu Highway recently andthe death of a former Mendi District Affairs Officer some months ago were caused by drunk and careless driving.
The lLeadersare calling onthe Southern Highlands and Hela provincial government to strictly monitor and put a stop to it permanently. They say law enforcers who are involved in smuggling must pay higher penalties.
The ther major problem isthe poor road conditions, resulting in accidents and many vehicles, including locally ownePM’s breaking down daily. The road is mainly used by heavy vehicles meant for the LNG project.
They are also blaming a locally owned transport company contracted tothe LNG Project for not managing issues of road associated problems, and are instead usingthe Defence force and Mobile Police to sort outthese issues.
The lLeaderssay this is not a healthy way of resolving those problems.
They saidthe issues alongthe Highlands highway need proper management and want Exxon Mobil under Esso Highlands to handlethese issues.
LLeaderswho sharethese sentiments include Nipa LLG PresidentoJohn Tit’s, Poroma LLG PresidentoAndrew Kid, and FormePNG APO association PresidentoWeso Ipopi.
They want Government authorities to do something immediately aboutthe issues highlighted.