The people of Sumkar are calling on their elected MP, Chris Nangoi to return to the district and address the issues affecting them.
A chief from Surumarang village, Ben Samlal told this newsroom today that since their MP left for Port Moresby during the government formation, he never returned to the district since.
Mr Samlal raised concerns that the only bridge that connects the people to the Madang township has collapsed and is yet to be fixed while their MP is still somewhere in the city.
He said many children are not attending schools on the other side of the river because their safety is not guaranteed when using rafts to cross the river.
The Banab Bridge which collapsed on Thursday, January 4, 2018 is a link that serves many villagers from parts of Sumkar, Karkar and locals from East Sepik who travel via dinghies from Angoram to Bogia and other boat stops.
The bridge, which is believed to be over 60 years old, collapsed after failing to support excessive weight caused by a semi-trailer transporting an excavator.
The bridge has not been renovated despite ongoing requests for over 12 years.
Mr Samalal also raised concerns that dreaded diseases might breakout from the area as there were no proper toilets on both sides of the river.
Works and Implementation Minister Michael Nali was recently accompanied by his secretary, David Wereh to visit Madang and especially to the collapsed Banab bridge and made the commitment that the bridge will be fixed immediately.
Nali also told Parliament in its last session that the only delay for the maintenance work was the transportation of a crane from Lae to Madang.