Census set to roll out in July

By SAMUEL BARIASI
THE 2020 National Census is set to roll with enumeration starting in July but the Government’s appropriation of K100 million is not enough to cover the massive task, acting National Statistician John Igitoi says.
He said the money allocated was less than the last census and it would be difficult to manage because the population had increased.
“Census is a national event that will help the Government understand how best to serve its people. Therefore, the census must be well-funded to make sure quality information is gathered,” Igitoi said.
He said the upcoming census was expected to count more than 9.5 million people based on the 2011 census population growth rate of 3.3 per cent.
“In the 2000 census, we expended K147 million to enumerate 5.3 million people in the country.
“This means to enumerate a person, we spent K28.27 and the result was very good.
“In 2011, the funding was K160 million to enumerate 7.2 million people – an increase of K13 million.
“An additional K13 million was spent to enumerate the two million additional Papua New Guineans,” he said.
“That is K22.22 to enumerate a person, a reduction of K6.05 from the 2000 Census. The result of the 2011 Census was rated poor.”
Igitoi said due to the lack of funding last year, some key preparatory activities would be undertaken this year.
“Realistically, the 2020 requires more than K200 million for better census results.”