Census 2024 launched

By JESHER TILTO
THE 2024 National Population Census, themed “Be Counted. No one left behind”, was launched last night at the Stanley Hotel, Port Moresby.
Counting will begin on June 17 and takes up to June 30 to complete. The reference night is scheduled for June 16, which is where every person spends the night before the count.
This will be the country’s fifth census to be conducted at a cost of about K200 million, 13 years after it was last conducted in 2011.
Launching the census last night, Prime Minister James Marape said a funding gap of K123 million would be met.
“The result of this undertaking will assist governments of all levels, institutions, development partners and relevant stakeholders to develop programmes and activities that can improve upon present service delivery for the good of our people in the next 10 years,” Marape said.
“I am informed that we have a funding gap of K123 million.
“We will have dialogue with our State agencies, development partners and all stakeholders to partner with us, financially and materially, in filling this gap.
“By working in collaboration, we can conduct a successful census to provide us with the much-needed information for all spheres.
“I urge every entity, community and individual that your support and corporation is critically needed for this census to get our population numbers right,” he said.
Initially planned for 2021, the census was postponed twice due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Authorised by the National Statistical Services Act (1980), it is required by law that all Papua New Guineans are recorded.
Under the ministry of Administrative Services, the National Statistical Office (NSO) was tasked to conduct census, and process and disseminate the data collected.
The first census conducted in 1980 recorded a total population of 3.1 million.
In 1990 and 2000, a total population of 3.8 million and 5.5 million were recorded respectively.
The fourth census conducted in 2011 recorded 7.8 million and the fifth census planned for 2021 was deferred to this year.
National statistician John Igitoi said despite a funding shortfall, the launch signified the Government’s commitment to a successful census and put to rest population estimates.
“The government has thrown its weight behind and officially endorsed for the conduct of the fifth population census,” Igitoi said.