COMMISSIONER Western Commander Joeli Cawaki says members of the public calling the Prime Minister or any Cabinet minister for flood assistance aren't helping the fast restoration of services.
His comments follow numerous calls received by his office from the Office of the Prime Minister in Suva that some people had called directly to the PM's office without informing his officers in the west.
He said members of the public should be patient as government was doing its best to help all people affected by the floods.
"People should realise that calling the PM or the ministers will not help because all queries will be referred back to our office," Cdr Cawaki said. "People need to learn to be patient and to follow the proper channel of service.
"Most of these people call the PM's office directly without even coming to our office or any of the district officers here in the west.
"Our duty is to serve the people and we are doing our best to assist all so we are requesting everyone for their understanding."
Cdr Cawaki said the government team had started distributing food rations on Saturday with the aim of reaching out to all affected families.
"Apart from the food, other organisations have also distributed clothes, textbooks and other household items to affected families in the west.
"Government officials are working tirelessly in trying to restore full services such as road, water and other infrastructural developments," he said.
He said people facing difficulties should contact the nearest police station or DO's office rather than calling the PM directly.