Wednesday, October 20, 2010

MP blames government for Kingal's death

By RIGGO NANGAN

 

MARKHAM MP Koni Iguan yesterday blamed the government for the death of prominent evangelist Pastor Joseph Kingal, The National reports.

Iguan, who appeared upset when he went on Radio Morobe’s Kundu FM yesterday morning, said the relatives of those who have died from accidents occurring at the “death trap” Zumim Bridge in Markham Valley, and should sue the government for negligence.

Iguan said he had, on numerous occasions, been calling on the government to redesign the bridge to a safer standard after an increase in accidents and deaths were attributed to its current state.

Two months ago, Iguan, accompanied by Bulolo MP Sam Basil and Tewai-Siassi MP Vincent Michaels, visited the bridge and pleaded with the government to do something.

He said he had brought the matter up in parliament where Works and Transport Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Don Polye gave an assurance that he would “look into it”.

Iguan said at the time of taking the matter up in parliament, the number of deaths stood at 56.

“As I speak now, the number has soared to almost 200,” he said.

“They were told something like this would happen and there was ample time to do something to prevent it, but they failed.”

Iguan said he would file a petition to Polye and give the government 14 days to act, in default, he would mobilise his people and they would block off the road to get attention.

“I am sad over the death of this young spiritual leader.

“Kingal has contributed meaningfully to both the spiritual and economical developments of the country,” he said.

 

 

2 comments:

  1. Anonymous2:57 PM

    If the Government donn't want to listen to the pleas of the people to do something about the death trap Bridge.. people should take actions or block the bridgeto get attention from the Government that's moving like a Snail to take action.How many more lives are going to be lost on our Highway until they act... Minister Polye's taking this matter as a bloody joke.. what a sick Government..instead of moving forward to upgrade and maintain Roads in the Country... we are just moving backwards down the gurgler..

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  2. Anonymous12:42 PM

    We have this very pathetic and self-minded government who cant do anything at all. Road is a life line to the people and it should be the governments priority number one. I see that works department has lost its plot because the head (Polye) is busy and cant prioritize and allocate funds for upgrade and maintenance of our major roads...

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