New data gathering tool to be launched

 THE Department of Implementation and Rural Development will be rolling-out the mobile phone SMS-based data collection projects to districts in the near future using Rapidpro. 

The Rapidpro, a mobile data collection tool, is a free application that would help governments to send and receive information and connect communities to services.   

A pilot training was conducted by UNICEF last Friday at the department to educate chief executive officers of District Development Authorities plus the LLG and sector managers. The data collected will help government departments in Port Moresby to have a better understanding of the realities of their work and needs at the district level. 

Deputy Secretary Stephen Rambe said the expected impact of the Rapidpro project was to improve and up-date district profiles, informed decision-making and planning, greater transparency and accountability, greater co-ordination and co-operation with the provincial and government agencies. 

“Rapidpro can serve as a low-cost strategy to address difficult data and information challenges, and provide real-time data to facilitate decision-making,” Rambe said. 

The pilot training was conducted by UNICEF’s Harriet Dwyer and attended by Pomio MP Elias Kapavore, CEOs from Pomio, Dei, Nuku, Alotau, Chuave, Middle Fly and Rigo districts.