About 28,000 people in Aroma Coast LLG in the Abau District in Central Province have been cut off by flood due to continues heavy down pours. Flood has damaged bridges and culverts, isolating villages between Paramana and Kelerakewa on the Aroma Coast. It is also affecting the roads towards Rigo District along Kore, Mamalo, Mole, Ganimarupu, Kiapara, Alykuni and Karawa villages too. A PMV Operator Mr Uali Makara highlighted that this has badly affected the PMV operations along the Abau and Rigo Districts too. Flood has also blocked off road going towards Rigo District from Laubakalana, the turn from Aroma Coast has become impossible for vehicles to access too. As a result of the heavy rain many gardens are under water causing food shortage, this has also caused problems for trade store operators who are unable to travel into the city to buy new supplies for their stores. Flooding has also affected health and education system in the area, many kids are missing school and many sick patients are not able to make it to health centres for medical help. PMVs are unable to cross from either side of the road because of the washed away bridges and culverts on the Aroma Coast. He is now calling on the authorities to step in as soon as possible to address this issue. “Member for Abau District, Sir Puka Temu, Member for Rigo, Sir Ano Pala and Governor for Central Province Rufina Peter as well as the National Government need to intervene and address these issues, as it is drastically affecting 28,000 plus people in the Abau District as well as the Rigo District.” “An immediate solution for proper drainage system is needed, wash away culverts need to be fixed and bridges must be restored to allow services to flow along the Central Province Road.” Mr Makarai also stated that operating PMV has a high operational and maintenance cost, and PMV operators are concerned about the terrible road conditions which is a major contributing factor to the high cost of maintenance. PMV operators along the Cloudy Bay and Amazon Bay also urged these leaders to fix what is vital, the road. “Without proper roads and transportation services, people will suffer hardship accessing basic services.”