Communities mourn journalist Samson Bonai

Communities in Bulolo and Wau Waria have lost a familiar voice following the death of veteran journalist Samson Bonai, who spent much of his working life reporting on the people and issues of Morobe Province.

Although originally from East Sepik, Bonai built his journalism career in Morobe, where he covered communities, development projects and issues affecting people in some of the province’s more remote areas.

For the communities he reported from, his work meant their stories could reach audiences beyond their villages and districts.

His death last week has prompted reflection on the role he played in bringing local concerns, development needs and community achievements into the public eye.

Wau Waria MP Marsh Narewec said Bonai’s work was particularly important to the new district, which still needed greater visibility among government agencies, donors and development partners.

Narewec said journalists helped connect communities with decision-makers by reporting what was happening on the ground.

“We are a new district, and many people, government agencies, donors and development partners may not yet know about our existence or the work we are doing,” he said.

He said Bonai and other journalists helped change that by reporting on development projects and the experiences of local communities.

Narewec also urged the media to continue reporting problems, saying critical coverage could help leaders identify areas requiring attention.

“We should not be worried when the media publishes bad stories about us. Those stories can help guide us,” he said.

For the communities Bonai covered, his passing means losing a journalist who spent years documenting their lives, challenges and hopes through his work.