NCD Governor Powes Parkop has defended the construction of additional overhead pedestrian bridges in Port Moresby.
He argued that public behavior must evolve alongside urban development despite criticism over the poor use of existing overhead bridges at Hohola and Koki.
Responding to criticism directed at City Hall over the construction of overhead bridges at Waigani and Erima, Governor Parkop said the Waigani Drive crossing had already demonstrated the dangers of pedestrians refusing to use proper crossings.
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“Look at the disaster at Waigani Drive when we offered the crossing. It’s not just a disaster-it’s a nightmare,” he said.
He acknowledged that many pedestrians currently avoid using overhead bridges but insisted the situation would worsen in the future as traffic congestion and road usage increase.
“At the moment it is people’s attitude, but in future they will have no choice but to use the footbridge. Our role is also to change people’s behavior, not just give in to their bad habits,” he said.
Governor Parkop stressed that governments and city authorities must plan for long-term public safety rather than short-term convenience.
“Imagine if we ran a country or community like that,” he added.
The remarks came after critics accused the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) of ignoring “ergonomics” in the design of existing overhead walkways at Koki and Hohola, claiming the structures were underutilized because they were too steep and inconvenient for pedestrians.
Critics further alleged that some roof-covered walkways had become shelters for drug users and homeless people at night, discouraging public use.
Despite the criticism, Governor Parkop maintained that pedestrian bridges remain necessary infrastructure to improve road safety and manage the city’s growing traffic demands