Maintenance works onthe landslip section ofthe Highlands Highway at Kerowaghi inthe Simbu Province will commence today under tight police presence.
Five days on andthe Highlands Highway at Kerowaghi has been completely blocked off by a landslip.
Acting Works Secretary Mr David Wereh told reporters in Port Moresby thatthe works department responded immediately to restore access for the travelling public; however, were stopped by landowners demanding compensation.
Another team was deployedthere yesterday for futher negotiations withthe landowners, butthe people have remained defiant.
Secretary Wereh says he has opted to now engage police, who will be deployed from different parts of highlands to provide security so work can begin.
He said contractors have been identiflied and engaged to begin work immediately as this area has also become a security risk for the travelling public.
Hefty fees have been charged for both pedestrians and cargo and Mr Wereh says it demands quick action which will only be possible withthe assistance of police.
The scope ofthe repair works will includethe removal of debris, reinstatement ofthe road and reinstatement ofthe locals.
He says this will costthe department between seven to eight million kina.
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