Maru wants everyone registered by 2021

By REBECCA KUKU
The National Identification (NID) system will be upgraded to ensure everyone is registered by Dec 2021, National Planning and Monitoring Minister Richard Maru says.
Maru told Parliament last week that they were working on improving the system to fast-track the process of getting registered under NID.
“The system was designed in a way where NID application forms had to be brought in physically, then entered into the system in Port Moresby for the IDs to be printed,” he said.
“We have, therefore, bought in a technically – competent person to upgrade the system so that we can quicken the process.”
Maru also clarified that the K235 million budgeted for NID was not for the registration alone, but was purposely to design and buy a system for the NID.
“We made a decision to have NID in the country, so the money allocated was used to buy the system,” he said.
“The remainder was used to carry out mobile registering, setting up offices and also getting people registered.
“We are looking at improving the system so that we can have everyone registered by Dec 2021.”
Maru also thanked Education Minister Nick Kuman for being the first minister to support the NID programme by way of getting all teachers to register.
“I also call on the other governors, ministers and Parliament Members (that) NID is not just for the Planning and Monitoring Department,” he said.