Southeast Ambrym’s road crisis

By Diana Boar.

More than 15 transport drivers from the Southeast Ambrym region, specifically from Taveak village to Endu village, have voiced concerns over the poor condition of their roads.

These drivers depend on transporting people between communities for their livelihood. The trucks must navigate creeks and hilly terrain, and during the rainy season, drivers often face severe challenges completing their journeys.

The poor state of the roads has caused damage to their vehicles, forcing drivers to bear weekly repair costs. Despite these challenges, no action has been taken to address the situation.

Area Secretary (AS) of Southeast Ambrym, Kerby Neman, stated that travelers arriving by ship or plane often have to carry their luggage on foot before securing further transportation.

“We require road maintenance to support essential services within our communities. A reliable road is imperative,” he said.

He noted that annual road surveys are conducted by public workers, but no tangible improvements have been made, leaving him uncertain about the surveys’ purpose.

When ships arrive at Moru village, they often carry cargo for local businesses, requiring residents to fill road holes to enable goods to be transported from the wharf.

AS Neman added that after Tropical Cyclone Pam in 2015, he approached the Public Works Department (PWD) in Lakatoro, Malekula, to request assistance in constructing cement concrete roads on the hills. He pointed out that two concrete roads already exist on Benado and Ulei village hills.

“Emergency services to the health center are severely compromised due to unsafe roads. I continue to advocate for at least one cement concrete road to be constructed annually by public works,” he said.

The future of road infrastructure currently depends on community members collaborating to fill potholes, making transportation easier.

The Area Committee has committed to raising the issue with the provincial government and the Lakatoro PWD, as no improvements have been seen so far.

Neman said the committee and local residents are gradually working with the PWD to construct roads that will enable local drivers to continue providing essential services to the island’s inhabitants.

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