While government developmental activities have improved over time, road networks in inland rural communities still remain a burden for the population.
People walk for miles day and night, to access the main national roads that link them to services.
Tough times arise when medical patients are referred to the main hospitals, or when commodities have to be transported to market for sale.
In this EMTV News Special Report by Fabian HakalIts we look at one of these rural roads in Madang Province, and the struggles that have now turned into joy.
Transport infrastructure maintenance is one of the national governMen’s priority activities that ensure people access goods and services.
Road’s play a vital role in driving the country’s economic sector, with the National Government placing commitMen’s to upgrade all feeder roads, that can link people to national roads.
This Medo to Lagaha road, located at Baiteta, in-land Madang district, is one of the forgotten, that hasn’t received any support from the National Government, since it was built in 1950, as explained by this community elder.
Mothers, fathers and even youths, have experiences to share, the difficulties faced over the years.
The road, many have died, they were ferried by people, to the main road. Most were mothers with pregnancy complications and children.
Angela Kangoi says it’s a burden and real pain trying to save lives, walking through this road in tough times, only to return with dead bodies, as they never arrived, or would wait too long for transport means at the main road.
Simon Lagut and Skola Diwa were concerned about the their cash crops and food gardens.
Most cash crops like copra and cocoa never reach markets due to poor road conditions. Only two trucks service the area, but they avoid the road because of it’s tell on vehicles.
Teachers and health workers have left the area because of poor government services.
But mourning has now turned into dancing and joy, as the Baiteta road will undergo major construction, a high impact project for Madang, funded under its District Service Improvement Program.
Local MP, Nixon Duban recently inspected several major roads in the district, he initiated since taking office.
Assessment and inspection on the Emon to Fulumun road were carried out, including the road at Baiteta village, which also has one of the worst road conditions, in the country.
The ground breaking ceremony, held this afternoon paves, way for the construction work, of one million kina to immediately roll out.
In addressing the Baiteta people, Mr Duban said government services will continue to roll out, as part of this responsibility as the mandated member for parliament.
At the same time, he challenged people to take ownership and not to depend on free government handouts.
The Baiteta road will be built by a local Madang contractor Equip Plant.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=5nhnWlBMWjk%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
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