Locals want authorities to fix communications issues

By JIMMY KALEBE
COMMUNICATIONS barriers that people are facing on Siassi Island in Morobe has caused a lot of inconveniences, leading to lives and properties being lost.
Ward 12 Malai Island councillor Peter Kamaru said there was a great need for communication as most of the islands are isolated.
Most islands do not have effective communication system in place and that has made communication very hard.
“We have to have Digicel or bmobile towers set up here in one of the islands to communicate well with the outside world,” Kamaru said.
The only communication through mobile is at Lablab station on the main Umboi Island. People have to go by boat from the outer islands to communicate using mobile.
Kamaru called on local MPs Kobby Bomario and Minister for Communication, Information, Technology and Energy Sam Basil to address the needs of the people.
“Without this vital service, many lives have been lost at sea because they cannot alert people on the ground of their situation at sea,” he said.
He said communication being a developmental driver, would help in serving the people on isolated islands, such as Malai and Tuam.
The Vsat installation on the island which locals used to watch TV had its receiver taken down and the batteries were out making it useless and wearing out slowly.
Ward 13 Tuam Island councillor Robert Michael said with the strong winds currently felt on the islands, people are suffering.
He said communication was a need for the islanders which the authorities should address immediately.
“We do not have access to the awareness on weather and other important notices issued by the government and others.”