Lack of reliable data hinders development

LACK of reliable data to measure development progress is a major challenge to those trying to achieve sustainable development goals (SDG), National Statistician Roko Koloma says.
He said that at a two-day workshop in Port Moresby to find a solution to the problematic data-system in the country.
“There is a real need to re-look at the national statistics system as it has suffered from serious lack of capacity,” Koloma said.
United Nation resident coordinator Roy Trivedy said  his organisation was committed to support the creation of “data-consortium” and to facilitate “data-innovation” by working with the government.
“The adoption of the SDGs in 2015 by 193 countries established a new, ambitious set of social, economic and environmental goals,” Trivedy said.
“Implementing SDGs requires a solid framework of indicators and statistical data to monitor progress and inform policy to ensure accountability of all stakeholders.
“Obtaining data set is also critical to the finalisation of the medium-term development plan three in developing its indicators, baselines and targets,” said Trivedy.
Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Dickson Guina said data enabled the government to make right decisions.
He said partnership was critical in data collection to make sure that service delivery was effective, transparent and accountable.
Department of National Planning and Monitoring first assistant secretary (policy) Christine Aisoli said looking into the lessons from the millennium development goals, the government was now taking proactive steps on the SDGs.
“Our department is committed to providing strong leadership to coordinate statistics in the country in an effort to formulate evidence-based plans and policies,” she said.