Communication challenges disadvantage Western people knowing about Covid-19

North Fly Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Silva Sika says lack of access to information about the coronavirus has been a reason why many people in the far flung areas of the province knew little about the coronavirus pandemic.

 He said people became aware of it when security personnel and government officials visited their remote communities.

Sika said the province has vast wetlands that can be traversed only by boat or by air and access to communication and information were very limited.

“It was quite a difficult task to get message across to people,” he said.

“People were not aware of the reports and information about the disease.”

“So when our members going to the communities, some of them it was a surprise to them and they hear and begin to get the message and understand why our presence are there..and the officers carry out awareness,” Sika said.

He said though he had about 86 police personnel spread between Tabubil, Kiunga and Ningerum, the policing area need would require additional personnel.

He has meanwhile praised his police officers for their efforts at the frontline without protective equipment.

“I told them to come up with whatever they can to cover themselves.”

“But we always have faith in our good Lord.”

“That is something I am humbled and I commend my officers,” Sika said.