Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Trucks block highway







By DAVID MURI

Constant impasses caused by heavy trucks on the Highlands Highway are described as “neglected nightmares” that continue to rip off motorists and the travelling public.
Many locals express frustrations time and again about the total misery instead of better lives at the back of the lucrative resource boom in their area.
 
Sidelined Nipa district administrator Robin Pip said semi-trailers hauling tonnes of cargo destined for resource projects, compounded with heavy rain are causing havoc on the deteriorating highway.
 
Mr Pip said there are rampant incidences of heavy trucks blocking the highway after skidding off or bogging down on slippery surfaces at various sections.
He said multi-billion kina oil, gas and gold projects at Kutubu, Moran, Hides and Mt Kare are being developed at the expense of the poor road users.
“PMV owners and ordinary citizens suffer daily. Can our government do something to rescue us please,” Mr Pip pleaded.
 
He said motorists dig deeper to pay to pass through bypasses erected by locals on top of excessive costs incurred by the wear and tear on vehicles.
Pip reported that the highway between Poroma turnoff and Margarima was blocked over the weekend by heavy trucks at different locations, completely halting traffic flow and the movement of goods and services.
He asked the government to declare a state of emergency on the road and urgently repair its dilapidating condition to protect properties and lives.
Pip warned that failing this would result in chaos and anarchy as people are already frustrated with the developers and government’s failures in addressing their woes.
He said the worst sections that are currently impassable are Tindom Hill, Kware, Punip Hill, Gim Hill, and Walte.
“The section at Tindom Hill was blocked as of last night again after a semi trailer skidded and is blocking the entire width of the road,” he said.

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