THE continuous heavy downpour experienced in Malaita Province in the past days has affected traveling passengers using the North Road.
Reports reaching Solomon Star Auki confirmed that the heavy downpour has washed away a temporary bridge created to facilitate vehicle crossing at Kwai River leaving vehicles from Lau Mbaelelea and Baegu Asifola at the other side of the river.
The recent washing away of the temporary bridge forced passengers from Lau Mbaelelea and Baegu Asifola to do transit along the way to reach Auki town and vise visa.
Traveling passengers told this paper that at some point they use OBM to cross Kwai River with their cargoes to get to the other side of the river.
Passengers told this paper that this week; Thursday and Friday, it is impossible to cross the river due to heavy downpour.
Some passengers have complained stating the situation has forced them to pay double fare to reach Auki, while others complained of losing belongings when transiting from one vehicle to another.
Kwai Bridge is currently under repair while a temporary bridge made to facilitate vehicle crossing was recently washed away leaving passengers with no choice but to adapt to the new normal.
North road has been in good condition following recent road upgrades, however, by the look of things, the road condition is mostly likely to deteriorate as rainy weather continues in Malaita Province.
While it is difficult for vehicles to cross Kwai River when it is flooded, vehicles can cross the river without a bridge on fine sunny days.
By WILSON SAENI
In Auki
