Census will put to rest estimates, says Igitoi

PAPUA New Guinea’s population is growing at such an alarming rate that it is contributing to many of the current socio-economic issues, an official says.
National statistician John Igitoi said this in reference to the country’s 2024-50 population projections, which was launched by the National Statistical Office (NSO) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in September last year, that estimated the current population range to be from 10 to 13 million.
According to the UNFPA country website, the current estimated annual population growth rate is 3.1 per cent. “This year’s national census will put to rest population estimates and help us to do proper planning to address issues affecting the country,” Igitoi said.
“The national census, to be conducted from June 16-30, will confirm the country’s population number and do away with estimates.
“This national census will help with proper planning to improve health, education and infrastructure sectors of the country.”
He added that a collaborative effort was needed to properly conduct the 2024 national population census and urged the private and public sector, all levels of government and people in the country to actively participate in this year’s national census to ensure that it is successfully conducted.
“We all have to work in collaboration to make sure everyone is counted.
“Everyone needs to be counted so that they are in the Government’s development picture.
“If you are not counted, consider yourself out of the development picture,” he said.
Meanwhile, NSO deputy census director Josiah Joseph at the opening of the Southern census workshop at Sogeri, Central yesterday said this year’s national census needed to be better planned.
“The NSO is expected to put together plans for the conduct of the census this year.
“Hence, a regional census workshop is being organised to bring together team leaders responsible for the different aspects of census taking to present their plans and strategies for the conduct of the 2024 national census.
“Southern and New Guinea Island (in New Ireland) workshops are being conducted until Friday.
“The Highlands and Momase workshops will be in Jiwaka and Morobe next week,” he said.