​Trucking firms affected by blocked highway

The Highlands Highway has been closed since Monday morning, halting the vital operations of large trucking companies.

Frustrated relatives of the late police officer, who was killed in Enga weeks ago, have blocked off the Highway. And since then, there has not been any form of communication or mediation between the relatives and appropriate authorities.

Major trucking companies have notified drivers to stop travelling along the Highlands Highway, while the big container trucks are stuck in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province.

Those coming down from Mt Hagen and Simbu have also halted operations.

Willie Nick of JT transport said he has been in Goroka for almost a week, unable to travel the Highway for business. He is urging appropriate authorities to do something about the grieving relatives in order to reopen the highway for public use.

The issue has stemmed from the killing of Glen Jimi Golang, from Aviamp Village, in Jiwaka Province. He and his colleague, Alex Kopa, from Simbu Province, were brutally killed during the national elections in Wabag.

Chief Nicholas Kuman of Aviamp said they are showing their frustration because responsible authorities have not been responding to their petition since the time of incident.

“We have sent them petitions…this is a last resort,” said the chief.

“The ball is in the Government’s court. If they want to come and address us, we’ll be here, the roadblock will be here.”

Related article:

Frustrated tribesmen block off highway http://bit.ly/2eH0g5p

Author: 
Sophie Yaruso