Deteriorating road conditions play a toll on the lives of the people of Aitape-Lumi District.

The national highway route linking East Sepik to Sandaun Province is in need of serious maintenance and upgrading however, it has been the subject of ignorance by local members of parliament for years now.

Villagers along the east, west coast and inland of Aitape-Lumi are faced with difficult times, trying to make ends meet as they struggle to find available means of transportation for their cash crops and other services.

In addition, enterprising airliner, Airlink has ceased operating regular flights to Aitape, for nearly two months due to the poor condition of the runway at Tadji airstrip. This has furthermore caused a great disadvantaged as it was the only means of fast, efficient transportation of good and services to the area.

"It is a pity that the local member is seemingly ignorant of the condition of our roads, as he is from along this area of the district," commented Tom Hulum, the Ward Member for Ward 14 in the Aitape East Local Level Government.

Since February this year, villagers have been forced to walk long distances carrying their market goods for sale. Teachers coming into town had to stop classes on Fridays because they had to walk to town to get their pays and supplies.

The people are now calling on the member for Aitape-Lumi District, Patrick Pruaitch to look seriously into addressing this matter.