Kairuku District in the Central province has been severely affected by continuous heavy rains over the past two weeks, creating havoc for the people, especially with the road access to the main centers.
A section of the road along the Hiritano Highway, a national highway at Inawabui village was washed away that stopped the flow of traffic.
Just recently, a local contractor managed to put up a temporary bypass to make way for smooth flow of traffic
Former Mekeo Local Level Government (LLG) president, Mr. Henry Maino, who is also contesting the current LLG elections to defend his seat, said vehicles could not cross the affecting section of the road and most have had to turn back, leaving passengers stranded along the highway.
“Passengers travelling into Port Moresby were dropped off at the site of the washout road and had to pay a fee of K5 to cross of the temporary bypass to the other side and catch on waiting PMVs all lined up to pick passengers bound for Port Moresby,” he said
He said it was the same for passengers returning from Port Moresby to get on PMVs lined up to transport them to their respective villages.
He said SME owners especially ones that own small trade stores were badly affected.
He added that vehicles attempting to cross the makeshift bypass bridge made of logs, were charged a fee of K100 to cross.
” Until today we found relief through the temporary bypass made by the local contractor who opened up the flow of traffic while waiting for responsible authorities to attend to the road condition,” he said.
Meanwhile, a source from the office of the MP for Kairuku Peter Isoaimo, has confirmed that the MP with the support from the Central Province Administration and Department of Works and Highways, will look to fix the poor road condition.