You know the old saying that you have to spend money, to make money, well on the Madang Roads they are spending more than they are making to keep the PMV service operating there.
The
deteriorating state of the National Highway to Madang, from Usino
Junction to the Tapo river is exacting a heavy toll on PMV’s.
The
steep hills of the route, heavy rainfall and poor drainage has created
deep trenches, you would not think that these roads use to be tar
sealed.
The worst areas include the mountains at Iguruwe, Karawar, Ono, Negiri, Naru and the double mountains of Tapo.
PMV bus drivers are finding that they need to
change tyres, brake pads and shoes of vehicles every month to a total
cost of around K2000 per month.
They either change these important parts or risk accidents and death to themselves and their passengers.
In recent times, there have been a spate of accidents on this highway and many believe it is because the poor road conditions.
As the owner of the Six Jays Bubu Stret 15 –seater PMV Bus Godfrey Wingu said in a report to the Post Courier:
“
The harder we struggle and accelerate to climb and go down mountains or
evade craters, tyre grips and brakes get worn out. We replace them each
month. The full 80 l of fuel costs us K200. PMV owners recoup nothing
from the K60 Lae-Madang Fare …we spend continuously for vehicle parts.”
Madang Highway Road (source: http://pngfrey.blogspot.com/2012/04/highway-to-paradise.html)
Many PMV operators have stated that there seems to be no-one responsible for maintaining the highway.
PNG Car's
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