20/08/2025
Concerned Citizens of Wau/Waria, Bulolo and Menyamya District
Subject: Complaint Against Traffic Enforcement at Markham Bridge
We, the concerned citizens of Wau/Waria, Bulolo, and Menyamya Districts, wish to formally raise our serious concerns regarding the continuous actions of the traffic enforcement team stationed at Markham Bridge.
For a long time, our people have been stopped at this location, both day and night, and are forced to pay large sums of money for alleged overloading. The amounts collected range between K1,000 to K2,000, yet no receipts or Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) are issued. This raises serious questions as to whether these monies are being properly remitted to the Government or are being misused.
This practice has gone on for too long, and we, as law-abiding taxpayers of this province and country, feel victimized. We are not criminals. If mistakes are committed, we expect the proper legal process to be followed – such as a formal caution, issuance of an official fine/receipt, or if necessary, arrest according to law. What we cannot continue to accept is the imposition of unreceipted and excessive cash demands.
We further note that in Lae City, many unworthy vehicles (including PMVs and city buses) operate freely without being targeted, while hardworking rural people, who bring in coffee and other produce from Menyamya and surrounding areas, are unfairly burdened and harassed. This is discriminatory and unjust.
We therefore appeal to the responsible authorities to urgently investigate and take corrective measures to stop these unlawful practices at Markham Bridge. Our people are hardworking citizens contributing to the economy, and we deserve to be treated fairly and with respect.
Yours faithfully,
Concerned Citizens of Menyamya, Wau/Waria, and Bulolo District
: Lae News and Politics