Province sees rapid population growth

 EAST New Britain’s population growth is higher than its economic growth rate, a government minister says.

Gazelle MP and Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Malakai Tabar said that when presenting a generator to Utmei Secondary School in his district.

Addressing students on population growth rate and productivity, Tabar said the situation in East New Britain was worrying because its population growth was higher than its economic growth rate.

He said the population growth rate of 3.2 per cent, higher than the national average of 2.7 per cent.

“We are making more children than making money,” he said. 

“This is really increasing the population in the electorate.”

Tabar said he was qualified to talk about population as his district was the third highest populated district in the country with an estimated population of 135,000.

Tabar said 58 per cent of the population in East New Britain was in Pomio, Kokopo and Rabaul. 

Gazelle alone boasts 42 per cent of the population.

Tabar urged the students to help increase productivity through  cocoa, coffee and garden food farming.

“Work the land first before thinking of raising a family,” Tabar told the students.

“Working the land will help you raise your family and manage it well.”