THE Nawaeb District Development Authority (NDDA) under the chairmanship of local MP, Theo Pelgen, has commenced emergency work on areas affected by a natural disaster.
On Saturday 7th October 2023, Busu Bridge at Boana Station Road collapsed leaving access to the District Administrative Headquarters in limbo with several portions of the Erap, Wain Road facing destruction due to landslips and flood.
Up at Nabak Highway, the road from Bumburum Bridge was affected with portions of road link cut off by flooded waters leaving bridges vulnerable as well.
Pelgen who was very concerned on the matter and swiftly sent Nawaeb District Technical Team and National Works & Highways Engineers to do environmental assessment of the situation.
He said now the challenge would be on allowing the movement of transport and shifting a temporary pass at Busu Bridge downstream.
“This week we intend to gather assessment reports and work towards a plan to mobilize machinery to carry out repair work and upgrade of access roads,” Pelgen said.
The NDDA has engaged Niugini Bridge Company Limited over the weekend to commence early preparatory works and a wet crossing in the interim until funding is secured to construct the new Bridge.
The new bridge will cost K8.5 million as estimated by the Department of Works and National Highways engineers.
The local MP thanked Works Secretary David Wereh, Works Manager Morober Samson Apai and the Works engineering team for their swift action in doing the assessment and recommending the contractor over the weekend.
Nawaeb CEO Mr Buds Botikie who was on the ground since the collapse of Busu Bridge, said he had already summoned the excavator operator to be on standby to create a wet crossing for the vehicles and people.
“We will clear the river to allow all vehicles to cross to the other side either to Boana Station or toward Lae.
“The District Administrative Headquarters must operate to allow service delivery to reach the people,” the CEO said.
He said it was an unfortunate situation caused by nature and that the District officials along with all technical team are working around the clock to restore road access and movement of people and goods.
