Tyres, fuel and a boat to help police Covid effort in south Bougainville

4:41 pm on 2 October 2020

Police in south Bougainville have received new tyres and fuel for their vehicles and a patrol boat to help in the fight against Covid-19.

The coronavirus impact on Papua New Guinea is growing with more than 500 people now infected.

So far the autonomous region of Bougainville has managed to remain relatively free of the virus, with only one confirmed case in August but efforts remain to minimise its impact.

The PNG Minister of Communications, Tim Masiu, who is also the South Bougainville MP, handed over the Covid funding this week.

He presented 100,000 kina or nearly $US24,000 to local police.

"80,000 kina of that 100,000 was given to police to purchase a boat to be used by the south Bougainville police in patrolling along the border area.

"10,000 kina was given to police for fuel, for the provision of fuel supplies to their vehicles and 10,000 kina for their tyres."

PNG Communications Minister and Bougainville South MP, Timothy Masiu

PNG Communications Minister and Bougainville South MP, Timothy Masiu Photo: Tim Masiu