By DAVID MURI,
Monday
27th
February,
2012
THE people of Nipa have threatened to forcefully close the Highlands Highway if
its deteriorating conditions do not get immediate government attention.
This threat was issued after the highway was closed last Friday night after a semitrailer owned by Mapai Transport got bogged in slippery conditions.
According to reports, the truck with its cargo of heavy equipment is blocking the entire width of the road at Teve Village, 5 kilometres outside Mendi.
This impasse has opened opportunities for villagers who built a bypass and charge extravagant fees on motorists.
Each car is paying between K150 to K200 to pass through the detour for the last four days.
Frustrated by continuous roadblocks being caused by heavy trucks ferrying equipment and machineries for the LNG project, local villagers have warned that they will close the highway to show their frustrations.
Yesterday, Nipa District administrator Robin Pip called the Post-Courier to relay his people’s grievances. Mapai Transport managing director Jacob Luke confirmed the blockage supported the Nipa people’s call for quick government intervention.
“I support the people of Nipa to close this road. Money is driving us and we forget about safety issues,” Mr Luke said.
This threat was issued after the highway was closed last Friday night after a semitrailer owned by Mapai Transport got bogged in slippery conditions.
According to reports, the truck with its cargo of heavy equipment is blocking the entire width of the road at Teve Village, 5 kilometres outside Mendi.
This impasse has opened opportunities for villagers who built a bypass and charge extravagant fees on motorists.
Each car is paying between K150 to K200 to pass through the detour for the last four days.
Frustrated by continuous roadblocks being caused by heavy trucks ferrying equipment and machineries for the LNG project, local villagers have warned that they will close the highway to show their frustrations.
Yesterday, Nipa District administrator Robin Pip called the Post-Courier to relay his people’s grievances. Mapai Transport managing director Jacob Luke confirmed the blockage supported the Nipa people’s call for quick government intervention.
“I support the people of Nipa to close this road. Money is driving us and we forget about safety issues,” Mr Luke said.
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