Population figures key

By JESHER TILTO
NATIONAL Research Institute director Dr Osborne Sanida says population figures are important for the development of all sectors in the country.
During his remarks at a seminar on population growth and development on Tuesday, Sanida said this year’s national census “cannot come soon enough”, stressing the importance of population data for development. “At this stage, we can only make estimates considering the last census was in 2011,” Sanida said.
“That is why the census next month cannot come soon enough.
“The population figures are vital not just for the economy but all aspects of the society.
“Population and development are important issues that all sections of our society and economy must take note of and address.
“Population constitutes people and development is about people’s progress.
“Having a good quality basic education, having access to basic healthcare, and having adequate food and shelter, are fundamentals for the development and wellbeing of an individual or a community.”
Professor Glen Mola, the head of obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Papua New Guinea’s School of Medicine and Health Science and at Port Moresby General Hospital, shared similar views during his presentation.
Mola said the last census done in 2011 was considered a failure, and national development planning thereafter was done on outdated data.
“The Government needs to plan for the people but it has only ever been planning for yesterday’s people and we have not taken population growth into account,” he said.