New road engineering design needed: Works Secretary

Department of Works (DoW) Secretary David Wereh says a new engineering design standard to address soil movement will limit continuous damage on the Highlands Highway during the wet season.

Wereh told Loop PNG that, DoW is talking with the National Government to find a long term solution and new methods and standards of constructing roads in the country.

The Works Secretary said many of landslides that occur are because the soil is unstable and makes way during heavy rain.

Wereh said the Chimbu section of the Highlands Highway is prone to that, when commenting on the landslide which had buried the Guo section since Saturday, making vehicles stranded on both sides of the damaged road.

He said the damage is not because of lack of maintenance but the soil in the area is unstable.

Meanwhile, Wereh said the by-pass build by the contractor is expected to be accessible by all types of vehicles this afternoon.

Road maintenance started on Wednesday after DoW made a K100,000 compensation to the landowners.

The remaining balance of K400,000 will be paid later.     

Caption: File picture.

 

      

Author: 
Charles Yapumi