Census gets underway nationwide

(L-R) Public Service Minister Joe Sungi, Prime Minister James Marape and Administrative Services Minister, Richard Masere and during announcement (NBC News)

Prime Minister James Marape, officially kicked off the 2024 National Census by being the first to be interviewed and counted.

He was joined by Minister responsible for Census, Richard Masere.

Prime Minister James Marape said, census is a major national event to map out future developments for Papua New Guinea.

He highlighted this when giving his personal data at 12 o'clock this morning, kick starting the nationwide 2024 National Census roll out.

"Your country needs to know who you are, and this is a very important event for the country. Everyone must work together to get this done effectively," Mr Marape said.

According to a 2021 Population Modelled Estimate carried out by the NSO United Nations Population Fund, PNG’s population is estimated to be at 11.7 million.

This figure was calculated using satellite technology.

But, this numbers can be confirmed by the enumerators upon actual visitation and headcount of people.

Mr. Marape reminded everyone that the next 14 days are crucial for all to be counted.

There will be 22-thousand enumerators out and about to deliver this important exercise, with the theme ' Be Counted, No One is Left Behind.

Unlike the previous years, technology will play a huge part in this census with enumerators given a tablet to update and upload data, which can be downloaded via satellite link to the NSO headquarter.