Sepik Highway bus routes halt services amid escalating hold-ups

Public transport operators along the Sepik Highway have suspended services on Route 3‑10 in Maprik and Route 3‑9 [Wosera] in response to escalating hold-ups and growing threats to passenger safety.

The decision, announced on Monday, was described by operators as a frustration strike, aimed at drawing urgent attention from authorities and local leaders.

Commuters who rely on these routes for daily travel were left stranded, highlighting the impact of insecurity on communities and the local economy.

Market vendors, students, and workers were among those affected, as the suspension disrupted access to schools, workplaces, and trade centres.

Operators say the suspension is a direct call for intervention, urging police presence and stronger enforcement along the Sepik Highway.

“We cannot continue risking lives while authorities remain silent. This is a call for serious intervention,” one operator stated.

The Maprik corridor, a major hub for trade and travel, and the Wosera route, vital for rural commuters and market access, have both become increasingly targeted by criminal activity.

The suspension is expected to continue until authorities demonstrate concrete action to restore law and order along the highway.

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