UPPER TORIU BRIDGE DOWN, ALAKASAM PEOPLE LACKS ACCESS TO BASIC SERVICES

BY WASITA ROYAL, in ENB

FOLLOWING the recent devastation by Cylone Maila in parts of the Country, in East New Britain, a key section of the New Britain Highway, the Toriu Bridge was also destructed by the cyclcone leaving locals and commuters limited access to government services.

Most affected are theresidents and local people of Alakasam ward in Inland Baining, Gazelle District, who struggle to access schools, health centres, and markets.

The bridge, which collapsed on April 9th due to heavy rain and flooding, is a key section of the New Britain Highway linking East and West New Britain provinces.

Local Ward Member Karl Kaning says teachers are struggling to get their families and cargo across the swollen river.

He reports that schools have not started and have been closed for one month and three weeks, his people are crying out for a vehicle to help ease their suffering, as they currently walk two hours to catch a vehicle on the other side of the river.

For now, vehicles and passengers are now forced to do dangerous wet crossings, driving and wading through the river to reach towns and clinics.

The original 100-meter bridge, built in 2013, was funded by the PNG Sustainable Development Program and the PNG Forest Authority.

Mister Kaning suggested a new bridge construction would be considered much wider, extending from 100 to 300 meters, because the cyclone has permanently widened the riverbanks and waterway.